By: Chris Reid, Account Manager
With Australia Day here, we thought it would be a good idea to take a moment to figure out what the heck those Aussies are saying! While researching this piece I realized that a few seemingly harmless phrases in North American English have some pretty, let’s say unfortunate, translations down under.
We’ve compiled a list of hard-to-decipher and easily confusing Australian words and phrases to keep you out of trouble, and to connect you better with your Aussie readers and friends.
Words and phrases that make you go hmmmmm….?
The following is a list of commonly used words and phrases that could lead to a difficult conversation about some pretty simple topics. However, if used correctly, these terms could help you sound like a local and develop better relationships with your Aussie friends.
- Arvo = Afternoon
- Bathers = swim suit
- Bloody oath = that’s the truth
- Boozer = pub
- Bush telly = campfire
- Blow in = uninvited party guest
- Bonnet = hood of a car
- Capsicum = red, green, yellow or orange peppers
- Chippy = Carpenter
- Chook = Chicken
- Chrissy = Christmas
- Chuck a sickie = Call in sick to work
- Chuck a U’e = make a U-turn
- Crook = to be sick
- Cuppa = a hot drink
- Esky = drink or food cooler
- Flat out = busy
- Flat white = latte
- Good on ya = good job
- How ya going? = how are you doing?
- Knackered = tired
- Mozzies = mosquitoes
- Nappies = diapers
- No worries mate = it’s all good
- Pash = a passionate kiss
- Petrol = gas for a vehicle
- Pokies = poker machines
- Reckon = to think or assume
- Rock up = to arrive
- Sanger = sandwich
- Schooner = 16oz beer glass
- Servo = gas station
- Stubbie = Bottle of beer
- Sunnies = Sunglasses
- Ta = thanks
- Whinge = complain or whine
Words to use with caution:
Barbie:
- This one can cause quite a confusion when a grown man talks about how much he loves his Barbie. But all is righted when he cooks you the most delicious kanga-bangers (kangaroo sausages) on his Barbie (barbeque).
Boot:
- When someone asks you to throw it in your boot, they don’t generally expect you to walk around with something in your shoe. A boot, is the trunk of a car.
Dead Horse:
- When eating at a restaurant, if someone asks you to pass them the dead horse, don’t run off just yet. What they mean is “could you please pass the ketchup?”
Thong:
- Down under they refer to thongs as sandals, which you put on your feet.
Spewin’:
- To say someone is spewing does not mean they are being sick. Instead, it means they are very, very angry.
You’re on your way to creating Ripper (really great) Aussie content:
With all this Fair Dinkum (genuine) knowledge you should be all set to Aussie it up with the best of them and avoid making a Barry (mistake). Just remember: she’ll be right mate! Ta!