Talk Like a Local: The 10 Most Aussie Slang Phrases || EC in Australia - EC English Blog (2024)

• September 13, 2019

We’ve spoken previously about the fun to be had when you can mix some local slang into your English. It helps you feel part of the communityandhelps your English sound more natural.Let’s not forget that it’s alsoreally funand even a bit silly sometimes!With that in mind, read on for a list of our choices on Aussie (Australian) slang.

1. G’day

One of the first things you’ll hear when in Australia, is the classic “G’day, mate”, which is basically the same as saying, “good day”, or “hello”.Sofeel free to use this one from day 1 and watch the smiles around you as people respond with, “g’daymate”, which means “hello, friend”.

2. Bikkie

There are two usages for this word. Abikkieis a biscuit, and saying that something “cost bigbikkies” is the Aussie wayto say that something is expensive. For example, “Did you bring your own surfboardto Australia?”, “No,mate,it cost bigbikkiesto do that,so I’llrenta boardwhile I’m hereinstead.”

3. Bonza/Ripper

Make friends with these words… immediately!Bothwords mean ‘great’ or ‘fantastic’ and when you think of the adventure awaiting you while studying English abroad, these words will be very useful. When people ask you how school is going, you can simply reply, “it’s bonza!” When asked howthe partywas the night before, “oh it was ripper, the best night of my life!”

4. Make a blue

This could be a fun word to try with your teacherin Australiasomeday. If you make a mistake in class and you notice it, don’t worry. Simply raise your hand, and when the teacher addresses you let them know, “I think I made a blue”. They’ll immediately understand what you mean!

5. She’ll be right

After you use the word in the section above, your teacher may respond with “she’ll be right”.There’s no need to sit there scratching your head, because what they mean is “everything will be ok”. Reassurance served with a slice of slang. Bonza!

6. Strewth!

A common word that Aussies use to express surprise, exclamation or disappointment.Similar tosaying, “oh my god!”, for example. The more you use it, the more familiar you’ll become with it. Some common ones you’ll hear could be,“strewth! I forgot about our exam on Friday”, and “strewth, it’s hot today!”

7. Sanga

AnyAustralian you meet will tell you of their fondness for abbreviating, or shortening, words. This goes for everything from Australian to Aussie, Australia to Straya and sandwichtosanga.Yes,sanga! The mostfavouriteof which is a sausagesanga. I think we all know what you should order for lunch today!

8. Thongs

This one catches out the non-Australian English speakers, as well as the non-native English speakers. But don’t worry, it’s always met with a smile and a friendly laugh. In Australia, thongs are your flip-flops. In the rest of the English-speaking world, thongs are underwear. So, if someone tells you to bring your thongs to the beach, you now know what they mean!

9. A flaminggalah

Every article about slang needs at least one example like this. A galahis a pink co*ckatoo, a bird native to Australia. However, aflaminggalahissomeone who isa bit ofanidiot,or asilly person;but is also loveable, and able to laugh at their ownsilliness.

10. Goon, stubby and bottle shop

When the time comes foryouriconic AustralianBBQ, you’llneed to goto the nearest bottle shop for some goon (cheap wine) or a crate ofstubbies(small bottles of beer).Someone else will bring the shrimp, someone brings the burgers, someone else brings the veggies. A recipe for aStrayannight to remember!

With these words in your head and some enthusiasm to get out there and talk with the locals, you’ll be feeling at home in Australia in no time. Speaking English with slang is all about having fun, and in Australia, you’re in the homeof a good time.

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