Aussie Dict 060312

A-Z of AussieFirst Edit Compiled and edited by “Flora” Florance Aussie = “Australian” or “Of Australian Origin”. Contents (Hyperlinked Document Index – click and go) Introduction Thanks Some Basics About Australia That Will Help A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Introduction To top ▲ None of this is strictly true as Australian come from everywhere in the world, represent every culture in the world and are part of every social and economic class in the world. There are things we consider to be true about ourselves which may not be but on the whole this will give you some feel of what it means to be Australian. One thing which is a great measure of what I believe makes an Aussie to be is our ability to laugh at ourselves. I believe this one thing makes us what we are more than any other thing. Laughing at ourselves part of our culture recognised in many our war stories, poetry, songs and so many other parts of our culture. Unfortunately we are slowly loosing this ability as things like globalisation mean we now have to be serious in order to be seen as a serous nation. I hope as you read this you can get a laugh out of this because much of our slang is humorous and we are historically a fun loving, easy going people. This compilation of Aussie slang was originally started as I make a habit of chatting on line using ICQ to stay sane in my one-man office. At the time of writing ICQ had and has a lot of Russian/Ukrainian traffic. This may be because MSN, Yahoo and Skype have not caught on in a big way up north. There is also a lot of Chinese traffic which may just be because there are lots of Chinese people (ICQ is better anyway if you like a random chat :-p ). Even though I thought I used a very easy to understand English, and from an English speaking perspective it is, I found I still slip into some light slang. Even using simple combinations of words such as “put up with” can throw a conversation in to total havoc with people taught text book English. While speaking to a Russian friend who was studying to become an English teacher, we would discuss slang and so I started digging up slang to test her knowledge each time we met (not just Aussie). This turn of conversation became difficult to keep up so I set myself the task of completing the compilation I had started years earlier for similar reasons. The result of that is this dictionary. Now all I have to worry about is my typos (see “typo” :-) ) Peter “Flora” Florance Thanks to: To top ▲ All the people who think our local usage of the English language is worth more than a place in the history books and continue to use Aussie Slang. Special thanks and warm hugs to: Svetlana P. who got me working on this project again after it was dead and buried. Hope life is treating you well. Thanks to all my other online friends who have kept the ball rolling with their need to know about Australia and understand Australians. Thanks to my family for helping by saying, “you betta put that in it” during conversation. Some Basics About Australia That Will Help To top ▲ Australia is a large country similar in size as China, the USA or Russia. The country is an island continent separated from the rest of the world by water. It is divided into 6 States and 2 Territories with the smallest states still being as big as England. The difference between Australia and other large countries is that the area making up the middle of the continent is largely dry semi arid desert or scrub (small tight packed trees) land with very limited water resources. Australia today is made what it is mostly by the settlement of Europeans. Australia has a limited history of slavery in the northern sugar cane fields and a very heavy handed suppression of the Aboriginal people (Aboriginals make up around 1% of the population). Although these things do affect our nation the affect has been minimal prior to current times as it was over looked by most people and government until modern times. In note these events have had some impact on slang in many places. Australia was settled by the English through its initial use at a penal colony (prison colony) and later through settlement. Unlike the USA, Australia was not settled largely by people seeking religious freedoms but mostly by people seeking a new start or to escape from the economic hardships they faced in England. After World War II there was a flood of immigration from other European countries and in later years immigration has been from many other places in the world. As a country we are independent and yet proud of our different heritages. We remain part of the British Commonwealth but we will boo the Queen and any thing English. We currently suffer from Globalism and American media influences. Our politicians push to make us more acceptable to the global business world. We still have welfare and public health care but we don’t fight for anything until it is too late. There are three levels of government in Australia. Local Government known as Council is the lowest part of government controlling little more than local community, local maintenance and infrastructure including roads and plumbing. Councils are funded through State Government funding and local land taxes called Rates. The middle level of government is State. State Governments control large sections of Australia called States (and Territories which were only self governed in recent times) and are responsible for most of the infrastructure and maintenance. State Government controls health, transport and other major infrastructure. States are funded through taxation and Federal Government funds. The Federal Government is the top level of government controlling tax law in areas such as income tax and import/export tariffs, international policy and some internal resources such as welfare. Federal Government is given it’s powers to govern by the State Governments as part of the Federation agreement. Federal Government also controls interstate highways and has a changing status in other areas of infrastructure such as health care. A State is a self governed province who allows the Commonwealth certain powers. The States are: New South Wales NSW Victoria Vic Queensland Qld Tasmania Tas Western Australia WA South Australia SA Tasmania is a State separate from the main continental body by water. Technically it is part of the continent joined by an under sea shelf. A Territory is a province under control of the Federal Government (they are now self governed) Australian Capitol Territory ACT Northern Territory NT Knowing these basics can help to understand how our country works and why we are who we are. Oh for you Russians we are a country of paid parking , it is a form of tax imposed by Councils. A To top ▲ Abattoir : place where animals are slaughtered and meat prepared for sale A bit more choke and you would have started : a statement said to somebody who has just passed wind in public rather loudly. Adam's Ale : water A few Kangaroos loose in the top paddock : someone who is mentally 'not quite there, also picnic short of a sandwich , lights are on but nobody is home, etc. A Lie Down : a short rest or nap A over T : to fall over, from "arse over tits". Abattoir : a place where animals are slaughtered and prepared for sale Abso-bloody-lutely : absolutely and beyond any doubt. Ace : Excellent! Very good! Acid : the good word, the truth, the good acid. Act, putting on an : pretending to be sick or distressed to gain sympathy. Sometimes said as bunging on an act. Adam's ale : Water Aerial ping pong : Australian Rules Football, description usually used derogatorily by Rugby Fans. After dark : shark Afternoon Tea : mid-afternoon tea or coffee break A Green One : Victoria Bitter, a brand of beer (not understood in Queensland where you have to make it easy to understand by spelling the beer labels, in Queensland it is called VB) Agro, Aggro : (also aggro), the state of being angry and aggressive over a situation. Also the name of a well known puppet on a children's program. Air hostess : Female airline employee who is employed to look after passengers during flights. Now politically incorrect, the term "flight attendant" is used for both Male and Female employees. Other less flattering terms used are Airy fairy : vague Akubra : Proprietary name for an Australian wide brimmed rabbit felt hat. Alice, the : Alice Springs, a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. Alligator pear : avocado, so named for the alligator like skin of the fruit. Amber fluid : beer Ambo : ambulance officer or driver 'aerial waitress" and "lifejacket demonstrator" Amber Fluid : beer Anchors : brakes of a vehicle, reins of a horse, or even one's own feet. Always used in the process of using the anchors to slow or stop down. Ankle biter : small child, also called a rug rat Any tic of the clock : very soon ANZAC : member of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in world wars I and II ANZAC biscuit : a national biscuit of Australia, purportedly invented on the war fields of the First World War. The recipe can vary but the essential ingredients are rolled oats and golden syrup. ANZAC Day : ANZAC day in Australia, April 25th, the anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 1915, is the national day of remembrance for Australian Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, killed in wars overseas. Recently members of "Enemy Armed Forces" also march with Australians in celebrations across the country and is seen as a measure of reconciliation. Apples, she'll be : It'll be all right Apple Eater : Resident of Tasmania. Also "Apple Islander". Apple Isle : Tasmania, an island state of Australia, so called for the huge apple industry on the island. Apples, she'll be : everything will be okay or alright. Argy bargy : argument, also adjectivally as argumentative Aristotle, aris : a bottle Armistice Day : the anniversary of 11 November 1918 when the Armistice to end World War I was signed at 11 AM. Formerly known as Remembrance Day. Arse : Bum, Butt, Buttocks. Correct spelling of what the American ass. Arse over tit : to fall over Arvo : afternoon Aussie (pron. Oz-ee) : anything Australian Aussie salute : brushing away flies with the hand Aussie wave : brushing away flies with the hand Ashes, the : The name for the trophy in an ongoing series of Cricket Tests between Australia and England. The story goes that Australia won the first test and England burned the stumps in shame. The ashes were placed in a small urn which is now the trophy. Avago : To attempt to do something Av-a-go-yer-mug : someone is not trying hard enough and you want them to or you are asking to start a fight. Context is important. Avos : avocados Away with the fairies/pixies : day dreaming. Ay : (pron. a-ee) a general question, ay, similar to hey, used often by people, ay, who lack the skill , ay, to put sentences together fluidly, ay, as a general pause in conversation, ay, to allow the speakers brain to cool down, ay. Means “hi” (ay mate), “hey” (ay what you do that for), “don’t you agree?” (you know, ay) or “what do you mean?” (Ay?). B To top ▲ B & S : Bachelors' and Spinsters' Ball - a very enjoyable party usually held in rural areas Babbling Brook : rhyming slang for cook Baccy : tobacco Back blocks : originally remote settlements away from the main cities, it is now used to denote the outer suburbs or cheaper blocks of land beyond the city Bacon Rashers : slices of bacon Back of Bourke : a long way away from wherever you are, specifically inland and away from civilisation. Bourke is an inland town, hence… Bad case of the trots : diarrhea Bail (somebody) up : to corner somebody physically Bail out : depart, usually angrily Bag : to criticise someone behind their back. “You totally bagged them out”. Balaclava : tight woollen knitted covering for the entire head and neck with holes left for the eyes and mouth. Often used by robbers to hide their identity. Banana bender : a resident of Queensland, perhaps a little derogatory Barbie : Barbecue. Similar to a cook out, outdoor cooking, a barbie is a popular way to get together with friends in the warmer months of the year. (Not to be confused with Ken's plastic girlfriend) Barney : an argument or fight Barrack : to cheer for your team or player in sport, or to take sides in an argument. Bastard : a general form of addressing someone, it can either be an affectionate term of endearment or to describe an unpleasant character. However, should be used with discussion, if in doubt, don't. Bathers : a swimming costume Bathroom : the room containing a bath or shower. Not to be confused with the toilet. Battler : someone without much luck in life and always has to struggle, hard working and persistent person who having financial trouble or family problems. Balmain bug : crayfish found in Sydney harbour, with a mild-flavoured white flesh. Usually barbecued, grilled or boiled. Banana Bender : person from Queensland Bangers : sausages Bangers and Mash : sausages and mashed potato (potato and milk crushed to a coarse paste) Barrack : to cheer for your sports team or player, less often used to describe taking sides in an argument Barramundi : large fish found off the coast of Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia BBQ : barbecue cooking outdoors Beaut : very good or excellent, perhaps even desirable. Generally pronounced bewd or bewdie. Beat Up : an exaggeration, big talk about nothing Bedsit : studio apartment (no separate bedroom) Bee's knees : the absolute best, perfect, the greatest Beg yours : I beg your pardon. Belt up! : you are asked stop talking, be quite, in a angry way. Best Bib and Tucker : old slang still used in some places, your best clothes. More often used is Sunday Best. Big Bickies : a lot of money, very expensive Big-note oneself : brag, boast Big smoke, the : bush slang for the major cities of Australia. Biker : person who rides a motorcycle Bikie : (pron. by-kee) member of a motorcycle gang Bikkie/bikkies : (pron. bi-kee) biscuit (also "it cost big bikkies" - it was expensive) Billabong : A waterhole, formed when a "U" shaped bend in a river is cut of and separates from the rest of the river. A billabong can sometimes remain after the river itself dries up forming a series of water holes. Billy : A tin (metal container) used for boiling water over a campfire, usually for a cup of tea. Originally made from an empty jam tin with a loop of wire for a handle and used by swagmen during the depression years. Also called a "billy can". Billy Cart : go-kart made by children. Originally named for the carts used in early settlement pulled by goats. Billy tea : tea brewed over an open fire in a billy. Billy Tea usually has a Gum Leaf thrown in for flavour (Gum leaves are rich in Eucalyptus Oil). Billylid : a child. Rhyming slang for kid derived from "billy lid". Bingle : an minor vehicle accident Biscuit : the "correct" term for a cookie (cookie being an Americanism and total incorrect). Bities : biting insects Bite ya bum : exclamation, be quiet. Bitzer : mongrel dog (bits of this and bits of that) Bizzo : business ("mind your own bizzo") Black and Tan : drink made with beer and stout Blackfella : an Aboriginal, although now considered to be a racist comment. Blackboard Duster : blackboard eraser Black Stump, beyond the : a long way away, the back of nowhere Black Velvet : drink made of champagne and stout Block of Flats : apartment building Bloke : an Australian male. To call someone a "good bloke" is to give them a compliment. Bloody : very, used to emphasize a point (examples: bloody awful, bloody amazing, absa-bloody-lutely). In Australia it is the universal intensifying adjective. “Bloody hell” (common use), something really bad has happened. Perhaps from an old Irish catholic swear word, a corruption of "By our Lady". Not often understood as such in other English speaking countries where is it often considered rude. Blood Blister : rhyming slang for sister. Raised blister of skin containing blood. Blood bucket : a term used by motorcycle riders to describe a safety helmet, see also skid lid or bone dome Bloody oath : that's certainly true Blower : Telephone Blowie : a blowfly, a large and very noisy fly. Blowy : windy Bludge : to do nothing. Bludger : lazy person, layabout, somebody who always relies on other people to do things or lend him things Blue : 1) fight, “we had a blue”, 2) mistake “woops, I made a blue”, 3) a person with red hair Blue Heeler : Australian cattle dog Blue, make a : make a mistake Bluey : any person with red hair may be called this by friends Bluey : blue cattle dog (named after its subtle markings) which is an excellent working dog. Bluey : heavy wool or felt jacket worn by mining and construction workers. Bluey : bluebottle jellyfish Bob's yer uncle : if you do this (whatever is said first) it will work or be OK. Bodgy : of inferior quality, inferior workmanship or incorrectly done Bog : excrement, See also Crap Bog, The : Toilet, Going to the bog. Bog in : commence eating, to attack food with enthusiasm Bog standard : basic, unadorned, without accessories (a bog standard car, telephone etc.) Bogan : person who takes little pride in his appearance, spends his days slacking and drinking beer Bogged : Stuck in mud, deep sand (a vehicle). Boiled Shirt : old slang, dress shirt with a starched front. Boil the Billy : put the kettle on to boil in order to make a cup of tea or coffee Bollocky : naked Bondi cigar : see "brown-eyed mullet" Bone dome : a term used by motorcycle riders to describe a safety helmet, see also skid lid or blood bucket Bonk : sexual intercourse (not polite) Bonzer : great, excellent Bonzer mate! : that's great friend. Boofhead : friendly term for someone who is not too smart or does something silly Boogie board : a hybrid, half-sized surf board Boomer : a large male kangaroo Booze Bus : police van used for random breath testing for alcohol Boozer : a pub, a person who drinks a lot (alcoholic) Bored shitless : very very bored Bottle shop : store where you buy alcoholic beverages, liquor shop Bottle-o : liquor shop (originally a man with hessian bags going around picking up beer bottles in the 50's and 60's) Bottler : something excellent Bottler, lil’ : a child of some excellence Bottling, his blood's worth : he's an excellent, helpful bloke. Bounce : a bully Bourke Street, he doesn't know Christmas from : he's a bit slow in the head. (Bourke Street is a brightly lit Melbourne street) Bowl of rice, not my : not my cup of tea; I don't like it Box : Vagina Box, the : television Brass razoo, he hasn't got a : he's very poor, no money Break-up Day : last day of school Brekkie : breakfast Brick shit house, built like a : big strong bloke Brickie : bricklayer Brisneyland : Brisbane, capital of Queensland Brisvegas, Bris Vegas : Brisbane, state capital of Queensland Brit : person from England. See also pom, pommy. Brizzie : Brisbane, state capital of Queensland Brolly : umbrella Browneye : to show ones bottom, mooning Brown-eyed mullet : a turd in the sea (where you're swimming!) Brownie : bottle of beer Brumby : a wild horse Bundy : Bundaberg Rum brewed in Bundaberg Queensland Bubble and Squeak : leftover vegetables and meat fried together until slightly crispy Buck's night : stag party, male gathering the night before the wedding Buckley's, Buckley's chance, Buckley’s or none : no chance, Buckley was an early explorer who’s exploration failed spectacularly. In conversation - Question: “what chance do we have?”, Answer: “Buckley’s” Budgie : budgerigar (parakeet in USA) Budgie smugglers : men's bathing costume Buggerlugs : affectionate term used to mildly annoy somebody Bull bar : stout bar fixed to the front of a vehicle to protect it against hitting kangaroos (also roo bar) Bundy : short for Bundaberg, Queensland, and the brand of rum that's made there Bunny Rug : baby blanket Bunya Nut : large starchy textured nuts with a tough woody casing, comes from the huge Bunya pine tree native to Queensland and New South Wales. Bunyip : A mythical aboriginal bush spirit animal that lives in swamps and billabongs. Bush : the Australian country. It is used to describe both the location, far away from the city, and more importantly the typical natural vegetation. To go bush is to go back to the country, back to the land. Bush bash : long competitive running or motorcar race through the bush Bushed : exhausted Bushfire Brigade : volunteer fire fighting organization Bushie, bushy : a country person who resides in the bush, rural Australian Bushman's Clock : kookaburra Bushman's hanky : Emitting nasal mucus by placing one index finger on the outside of the nose (thus blocking one nostril) and blowing. Bush oyster : nasal mucus Bushranger : an outlaw or highwayman, similar to the outlaws of the American Wild West. The most famous of course is Ned Kelly. Bush telly : campfire Bush Tomatoes : small pungent berry is collected in the central desert regions from a shrub related to the tomato family. Also called Desert Raisins Bush Tucker : food from native plants and animals Bushwacker : Synonymous with bushranger Busk : sidewalk performance for donations Busker : person who performs (busks) for donations usually on sidewalks. Mostly musicians and singers. Busy as Bourke street in the rush hour : extremly busy. Bourke St. is a main street in Melbourne and is always busy. Butcher : small glass of beer in South Australia - From the theory that a butcher could take a quick break from his job, have a drink and be back at work Buzz off : leave By jingoes : an exclamation of surprise. BYO : Bring Your Own (booze to a restaurant, meat to a barbecue, etc.) Also to describe a restaurant with a limited liquor license C To top ▲ Cab Sav : Cabernet Sauvignon (a variety of wine grape) Cackleberry : an egg Cactus : dead, not functioning, doesn't work anymore, or someone in a lot of trouble. Caff : cafeteria Call it a day : finish up and stop work Call it quits : break off a relationship or to stop trying to do something. Camp Oven : cast iron container with a lid used for campfire cooking. Hot coals are placed around and over it. Cane toad : a person from Queensland Capsul : baby car seat Captain Cook : rhyming slang, look ("let's have a Captain Cook") Caravan Park : trailer park Cark it : (human) to die, (machine) cease functioning, also kick the bucket. Cardie : cardigan Carbie : short for carburetor Cark it : to die Carn : a rallying cry at football games to cheer your team on. Short for "Come on!" Carnie : Carnival, side show worker. American derived slang the Aussie is Showie, Carry Cot : portable bassinet Casual Worker : someone who works part time or as temporary help Cat burying shit, as busy as a : busy Cat's piss, as mean as : mean, stingy, uncharitable Caulie : cauliflower Cellotape : Australian brand name for a 'scotch tape' like product Chalkie : school teacher Champers : champagne Cheerio : goodbye (not to be confused with Cheerios which are cocktail sausages) Cheers : 1) thank you, 2) salute, toast with a drink. Cheerios : red-coloured cocktail sausages (mostly NSW and Queensland) Cheesed off : very annoyed Chemist : Pharmacist, Pharmacy; describes both a person who dispenses legal drugs and their place of work Chew the Fat : To have a pleasant conversation with someone. Also called a chinwag. Chewy, chewie: chewing gum. Chicken : 1) person or animal frightened of something or anything or leaving early or not attending (piker), 2) a game played with an object where one or another object need to be moved at the last minute or collide. Chinwag : To have a pleasant conversation with someone. Also called a chewing the fat. Chippie, chippy : a carpenter. Chips : The correct name for French Fries (incorrect Americanisation), called chippies in New South Wales. Also used to describe Crisps or Potato Chips. Choc a block, chockers : full up with no space left at all. Chockers : drunk, full Chockie : chocolate Chook : a chicken Chrissy, Chrissie : Christmas Christmas : see Bourke Street Chuck a leftie : to turn left Chuck a sickie : take the day off sick from work when you're perfectly healthy Chuck a spaz : get angry demonstratively Chuck a U ey : to make a U-turn Chuck a wobbly : to have a fit of temper. Chuck up : to vomit, Chuffed : well pleased Chunder : to vomit, usually when drunk. Perhaps from 'up and under'. Legend has it though that the term hails from the time of the long ships that transported convicts to Australia. It was a twelve month trip and the seas would often be stormy causing the ships to roll from side to side; a prescription for sea sickness. The convicts were housed in bunk like beds which was generally where you ended up if you were feeling ill. A convict on the top bunk who was about to vomit would yell "Watch out under" to warn the inhabitants of the lower bunks of the pending delivery. As with most Australian slang, the phrase "Watch out under" got shortened to "Chunder" - or so the story goes.. City of Churches : Adelaide City of Lights : Perth Clacker : anus (from Latin cloaca = sewer). Clapped out : broken down, will no longer work. Clayton's : fake, substitute Cleanskin : Bottle of wine without a label. Usually bought in bulk by companies who then add their own personalised label and use the wine as e.g. gifts to clients Cleanskin : cattle that have not been branded, earmarked or castrated. Click : kilometre - "it's 10 clicks away" Clobber : 1) your clothes; 2) to hit someone forcefully. Clod hoppers : your feet Clucky : feeling broody or maternal Coathanger : Sydney Harbour bridge or something you hang clothing on. Cobber : a friend, generally male but not necessarily. Similar to a mate or a pal, but with a closer relationship. Cockie : 1) a bird, cockatoo; 2) farmer (Farmers were called cockies in the early days of European settlement because, like the birds of the same name, they made their homes on the edges of permanent waterholes) Cockie : cockroach Cockie : short for a cockatoo (type of bird). Cockroach : a person from New South Wales Cods wallop : an exclamation showing disbelief in what has just been said, equivalent to "Rubbish!", or a polite way of saying "bullshit". Coldie : a beer College : private high school/secondary school Come a gutser : make a bad mistake, have an accident Comfort Station : public toilet Compere : emcee of a program, person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers) Compo : Workers' Compensation pay Conch (adj. conchy) : a conscientious person. Somebody who would rather work or study than go out and enjoy him/herself. Cooee : vocal sound which carries well when made to call people in the bush. Cooee, not within : figuratively a long way away, far off - England weren't within cooee of beating Australia at cricket Cooee, within : nearby - I was within cooee of landing a big fish when the line broke. He lives within cooee of Sydney. Cook/cook and bottle washer (noun) : One's wife Cooking with gas : used to indicate that the current activity is proceeding either as expected or better. Cordial : add water to liquid concentrate to make a fruity flavoured drink. Comes in a variety of flavours and similar to Kool-Aid (USA) but sweeter. Corker : something excellent. A good stroke in cricket might be described as a 'corker of a shot' Corroboree : an aboriginal dance festival Cot : crib, bassinet Cotton Wool : absorbent cotton, cotton balls Counter lunch/Countery : pub lunch Cow Cockie : dairy or cattle farmer Cozzie : swimming costume Crack a fat : get an erection Crack a Fruity : go crazy, insane, weird (old slang, childish) Crack onto (someone) : to hit on someone, pursue someone romantically Crack a tinnie : open a can of cold beer Cranky : in a bad mood, angry Crap : excrement, See also Bog Cream (verb) : defeat by a large margin Crikey : wow, used as an exclamation point in a conversation. Very seldom used today is old slang. Crim : criminal Crisps : flat crisp slices of potato commercially sold in packets often also called Chips or Potato Chips. Croc : crocodile Crook : 1) sick (feeling crook), 2) bad (crook weather), 3 ) difficult (crook job), 4) also dishonest person Crow eater : a person from South Australia Crumpet : duel meaning. 1) flat soft yeast cake eaten toasted and spread with butter; a bit like an English muffin but much lighter, 2) “get a bit of” or “find me some” crumpet is to find a lady to have sex with the lady being the crumpet. Cubby house : Small, usually timber, house in the garden used as a children's plaything. Cup Day : public holiday when everyone watches the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s biggest horse racing event. Cuppa : cup-of, cup of tea or coffee Curly : nickname for a person with a bald head Cut lunch : 1) packed sandwich (slices of yeast bread with filling of your choice) lunch taken to school or work, 2) occasional slang for flatulence, “to fart”. Cut lunch commando : army reservist Cut snake, mad as a : very angry D To top ▲ Dad 'n Dave : a shave. Dag : bits of faeces that stick to the long wool around a sheep's bottom forming small dangling balls. Also a term for a funny person, unfashionable person, nerd, goof, loser. Can have either an endearing or disparaging meaning, although is usually used for a likable fellow. Daks, Dacks: a man's trousers or shorts, now also a brand name. However in New Zealand, daks means underpants, underdaks in Australia. Be sure you know which one they are talking about..... Damper : a yeast less bread cooked either in the hot coals or in a dutch oven over a camp fire. Traditionally the dough was wrapped around a stick and cooked in the campfire coals or put into an iron pot and buried in hot coals. Golden syrup is poured in the hole left by the stick. Damper, to put a : to put a damper on something is to slow down its progress or reduce activity. E.g.., the Rain has put a damper on the beach party, pun intended! Darkie : a Australian aborigine, used in the past in a demeaning manner, out of use today. Darwin stubbie : In Darwin this is a 1.25 litre bottle of beer. In the rest of the country a stubbie is a 375 ml bottle of beer, quite a difference. Legend has it that in Darwin a long road journey is not measured in time or distance but in stubbies, i.e. the number of stubbies drunk en-route. Date : arse [hole] ("get off your fat date") Dazzler : something that is excellent, usually said as something is a "bobby dazzler".(Usu. 'bobby-dazzler') Dead cert : a certainty beyond doubt, a sure winner, especially when referring to horse or dog races. Dead dingo's donger, as dry as a : very dry Dead horse : (rhyming slang) tomato sauce Dead ringer : an exact copy, likeness, or replica. Something/someone that looks exactly the same as something/someone else. Dead set : true, the truth, used to indicate that something is correct. Also can be used to question the truth of a previous statement. Decko : a look or glance. Deener, deenah : an old term for a shilling, 1 12th of a pound, today worth 10 cents. De Facto : man or woman living together as husband and wife, but not married. Recognised as a legally binding relationship after a period of 3 months. Not a popular term, preferred is Partner. Deli : Delicatessen, a small local shop that sells assorted foods and other daily necessities. Called a Milk bar in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Derro : a derelict, also used disparagingly for a low intellect person. Dero : tramp, hobo, homeless person (from "derelict") Desert Rat : An Australia Army member who served in the North African campaign of World War Two, 1939-1945. Dial : face Dickhead : Disparaging, describes a person as stupid or disliked, see also "whacker" Didj : abbreviated method of reference to didgeridoo Didjeridoo, didgeridoo : An Australian Aboriginal musical instrument made from a hollow log. It is used in Corroborees (traditional religious ceremonies), and thus has great spiritual significance. Playing a Didjeridoo is difficult, requiring a combination of vibrations from very loose lips, vocal sound to imitate birds and animals, and circular breathing, blowing and breathing at the same time, for continuous sound. Digger : A soldier from the Australia Army who served Turkey during the First World War. So named for their tenacity in "digging in", both literally and emotionally. Australian Diggers are well respected, particularly on ANZAC day. Dill : an idiot, simple minded, also a herb Dilly bag : An aboriginal term for a small carry bag that has crept into general Australia language. Dimwit : a person of low intelligence, usually used as an insult. See also Drongo. Dinnies/Dindins : dinner Dinner : evening main meal Dingaling, dingbat : a foolish or irresponsible person. Dingo : The Australian wild dog tawny-yellow in texture, that howls but does not bark. Brought to Australia thousands of year ago by the Aborigines, the scientific name is "canis lupus familiaris". It can also be used to describe an ugly woman. Dingo's breakfast : a yawn, a leak and a good look round (i.e. no breakfast) Dinkum : real, honest or genuine. Can also be used to question validity, e.g.., dinkum? See also fair dinkum. Dinkum, fair dinkum : true, real, genuine ("I'm a dinkum Aussie"; "is he fair dinkum?") Dinky di : the genuine article or the real thing, especially if the object is from Australia. See also True Blue, and fair dinkum. Dinky-di : the real thing, genuine Dip : pickpocket Dipstick : a loser, idiot Divvy van : Police vehicle used for transporting criminals. Named after the protective 'division' between the driver and the villains. Dirty : to be angry or annoyed about something or with someone. Dob in, to : to inform on someone, hence dobber - a tell-tale (considered a social sin). or suggest someone for a task Dobber : person who told what you've been up to, usually something bad Docket : a bill, receipt for a purchase Doco : documentary Doctor's Surgery : doctor's office Dodge and Shirk : rhyming slang for work. Dodge is to move out of the way and shirk it to avoid responsibility. Dodgy : below standard, awkward, suspicious or underhanded. Similar to the American "Cheesy". Dog : unattractive woman Dog and Bone : rhyming slang for telephone. Dog's balls, stands out like : very obvious Dogs breakfast : a mess Dogs eye : meat pie Doing the ton : travelling at 100km per hour Doing your block : you are getting very angry, losing your head. Dole bludger : somebody on social assistance when unjustified, avoids work preferring to live on welfare Dollop : a rough portion of something, usually of a think liquid consistency Dong : to hit or punch. Donger : penis Donk : an engine for a car or boat. Donkey's years : a long time, ages. See also Yonks. Don’t get your knickers in knot : Don't upset yourself. Doodle : penis Doona : a bed quilt usually filled with feathers. Called a duvet in England. Down the Boozers : at the pub Down under : Australia, THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD! Can also be used to indicate the southern hemisphere. Drawing Pins : thumb tacks Drink Driving : drunk driving (DUI, driving under the influence) Drink with the flies : to drink alone Drongo : a stupid, inept, awkward or embarrassing person, a dimwit or slow-witted person, a fool, a dope, stupid person. Drongo : stupid person. Drongo footballer would run the wrong way. Dropkick : see 'dipstick' Drum : information, tip-off ("I'll give you the drum") Duchess : sideboard Duck's Disease : bum close to the ground. Used for people who appear to have legs which are short in proportion to their body (take care using it, its like discussing weight, sometimes you can but not often). Duck's guts : the heart of the matter, the basic information required without the unnecessary waffle. Dud : something that is no good, useless, doesn't work or is a lemon. Duds : trousers, see also daks. Duff, up the : pregenant Duffer : a silly person or a cattle stealer, a rustler in America. Dummy : baby pacifier Dummy, spit the : get very upset at something Dunno : literally don't know. Dunny : toilet or lavatory, originally an outside toilet or outhouse, now a generic term for the toilet regardless of location. Sometimes referred to as the Thunder Box! Different from the bathroom which really does contain a bath or shower for cleaning your personage. Dunny budgie : blowfly Dunnyman : person who empties toilet cans where there is no sewer connected (not many exist today more likely to be someone who moves and hires portable toilets for events) Dunny rat, cunning as a : very cunning Durrey : a hand rolled cigarette. Durry : tobacco, cigarette Dustman : garbage collector. Garbage cans also called dust bins or bins. Dutch oven : 1) a large cast iron pot with lid for baking or stewing over a camp fire, 2) Farting (flatulence) with your own or someone else’s head under the bed covers. Dux : top of the class (n.); to be top of the class (v.) - "She duxed four of her subjects". E To top ▲ Earbash : to chatter or talk incessantly to the point of boring or nagging. Earbasher : someone who earbashes a lot! Earbashing : to talk to, or be talked to, for a long time. Generally implies a reprimand. Ears flapping : describes someone who is listening with interest or intent. Earth : electrical ground Eastern states : All of Australia excluding Western Australia (WA). The state of Western Australia covers about 1/3 of the continent of Australia. Generally a term used by someone living in WA. Easy on : a request for someone to calm down in a heated moment. EFTPOS : money withdrawn directly from your bank account using a card in a machine at the point of sale. Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale Egg on : to encourage someone or to persuade someone to do something they are not anxious to do. Ekka : the Brisbane Exhibition, an annual agricultural show (fair) Ekka Day : public holiday in Brisbane for the Ekka (Queensland major fair or agricultural show) Elastic Band : rubber band Elbow grease : implies hard work or effort, as if one was using up the grease in ones elbow. Elevenses : light, mid-morning tea or coffee break Empties : empty beer bottles Emu : flightless bird relative of the African ostrich, meat is red, tender and richly flavoured. Also eggs are eaten and are 10 times bigger than a hen’s egg. Raised commercially throughout Australia. Entrée : starter or appetizer in a meal before main course. Esky : a portable insulated container for keeping food or drink cool. A shortening the trade name for Eskimo box. In New Zealand it is called "Chilly Bin". Evo : evening Exercise book : a school workbook. Exy : expensive F To top ▲ Face, off one's : drunk ("He was off his face by 9pm") Fag : 1) cigarette, 2) homosexual man (derogatory) Fair crack of the whip : to give some one an equal opportunity or equitable treatment. See also "Fair Go". Fair Dinkum : true, genuine Fair go : to give some one an equal opportunity or equitable treatment. See also "Fair crack of the whip". Fair go mate! : a plea for an equal opportunity or equitable treatment. What you say when someone is not letting you do or say something. Fair suck of the sav! : exclamation of wonder, awe, disbelief (see also "sav"). Statement you make when someone is not letting you do or say something. Fairy floss : candy floss, cotton candy, made of finely spun sugar. Faggot : a homosexual man (derogatory). Fang Carpenter : dentist Fanny : Old English girls name out of use due to it new use in describing a woman’s vagina. (Fanny in the USA is a woman's bottom – they have no idea really, what a hopeless lot). Fed up to the back teeth : use to signify someone is disgusted and/or has lost patience with someone/something/a situation. Feral : V8 ute (q.v.) sporting large heavy bullbar, numerous aerials, large truck mudflaps and stickers almost all over the rear window and tailgate. Sometimes seen with a Mack emblem on the bonnet and always with large (multiple) driving lights Feral (n.) : a hippie Field Berets : cow patties, dung Fifty k's south of Woop Woop : in the middle of nowhere Figjam : "Fuck I'm good; just ask me". Nickname for people who have a high opinion of themselves. Generally derogatory even amongst friends but may be used in jest, may also be used about yourself at times. Fish and Chips : deep-fried fish in batter and deep-fried potatoes (chips), a popular take-away food traditionally served wrapped in white paper (previously un-hygienic newspaper was used). Fisho : fishmonger Fire away : used to tell someone to begin speaking, usually to begin speaking their mind. Firee : fire fighter, fireman. Also spelled fire-ie. Five finger discount : shoplifting, store theft. Flake : fillets of shark meat, used in fish and chips mostly Victoria and South Australia. Flake out : to lie down or to collapse from fatigue. Flaming : and all purpose intensifying adjective. Similar to "bloody" but softer and considered slightly more socially acceptable. Flat out : going at full speed, as fast as possible, or busy. Flat chat : going very fast what ever they're doing. Flat out like a lizard drinking : extremely busy and under pressure from work. Flat, Unit : apartment Flat White : coffee with milk or cream Flick : to give something or somebody the flick is to get rid of it or him/her Flick it on : to sell something, usually for a quick profit, soon after buying it. Flicks : movies, cinema. Floaties : water wings, floatation devices for on the arms, for young swimmers Floater : 1) Pie Floater is a meat pie in a plate of thick soupy peas and gravy (mostly in Adelaide though becoming more common, I only recommend the Adelaide ones for now the rest of Australia is yet to work out how to make them properly), 2) Excrement which floats in a toilet (more common use). Flog : to beat or physically abuse someone/something; to sell something; to steal something. Flutterby : butterfly Fly wire : gauze flyscreen covering a window or doorway. Footpath : a path along the side of the road where people walk. Footy : short for Football, either Australian Rules, Rugby League, Rugby Union, or Soccer. However it is nearly always pronounced with a 'd'; foody. Fortnight : generally 14 days (2 weeks), but if said "Monday fortnight" it means not next Monday, but the one after that. Fossick : search, rummage ("fossicking through the kitchen drawers") Fossick : to prospect, e.g. for gold Fossicker : prospector, e.g. for gold Franger : condom Freckle : anus Fremantle Doctor : the cooling afternoon breeze that arrives in Perth from the direction of Freeo Freo : Fremantle in Western Australia Franger : a condom. Fridge : refrigerator From go to whoa : literally from start to finish. Frog and Toad : rhyming slang for road Frog in a sock, as cross as a : sounding angry - a person or your hard drive! Fuck : 1) sexual intercourse; 2) used to add emphasis to a statement; 3) expression of shock. Variations on this word can also be insulting, humour or sexual. Fuck-ay : expression of disbelief. Fuck-n-oath, fuck-oath : very extremely correct. Fruit Cockie : fruit farmer Fruit loop : fool Fruit Salad : a salad made of fruit, or dog or cat of mixed or unknown breeding Furphy : a rumour. Derived from the battle fields of World War I where rumours seems to follow the water carts which were manufactured in Australia by the Furphy company. Full : drunk Full as a goog : drunk or eaten to the excess. Furphy : false or unreliable rumour Fussed : worried, either "fussed" or "not fussed". G To top ▲ Gab : to chatter or gossip. Gabba : Wooloongabba - the Brisbane cricket ground Gabster : radio talk show host GAFA (pron. gaffa) : the big nothingness of the Australian Outback. Great Australian F**k All. Ga-ga : to be mad, loony, or insane. Galah : fool, silly person an endearing term for a fool or silly person. Named after a particularly noisy parrot coloured Pink and Grey because of its foolish antics and the noise it makes. Gander, 'ave a : to have a look Gaol : old English spelling of Jail, still recognised and used in some places. Garbo, garbologist : municipal garbage collector Garden State : Victoria Galoot : someone acting silly, “acting the galoot” Germaine Greer : rhyming slang for ear (Germaine greer is well known feminist) G'day : the universal Australian friendly greeting, as in hello. Pronounced "Gidday", a shortened form of "Good Day". See also Gidday. G’day Cobber : welcome close friend. Get nicked : an exclamation of contempt, or to get caught in the act. Ghan : the railroad line to Alice Springs, so named because it replaced the famous Afghan camel trains. Gidday : the universal Australian friendly greeting, as in hello. A shortened form of "Good Day". See also G'day. Ginger Beer : rhyming slang for ear Ginger Beer : non-alcoholic or mildly alcoholic drink made from fermenting a mixture of ginger and syrup Give it a burl : try it, have a go Give it heaps : to not hold back. I.e.., To make sure a car would go up the hill, you would "give it heaps", put your foot down on the accelerator. To give someone heaps is to give them a talking to for doing something wrong, or to make fun of them for doing something silly. Give a Tingle : call on the telephone, as in "I'll give you a tingle this arvo". Gizmo : a generic term for an apparatus or tool that either doesn't have a name or the real name for which cannot be remembered. Glam : glamorous Go and have a cuppa : have cup of tea or coffee. Goanna : large native lizard of the Monitor family. As a food, it's high in protein. Gobful, give a : to abuse, usually justifiably ("The neighbours were having a noisy party so I went and gave them a gobful") Gobsmacked : amazed, surprised, astounded Going to the dunny : off to the toilet. Gold Coast : popular tourist area on the coast of Queensland from Southport to Coolangatta Good Nick : good condition Going off : used of a night spot or party that is a lot of fun - "the place was really going off" Good oil : useful information, a good idea, the truth Good onya : good for you, well done Goog : an egg. Children will often say googie or googie egg. Goog, as full as a : drunk. "Goog" is a variation of the northern English slangword "goggie" meaning an egg. Goom : drink of methylated spirits drunk by vagrants Gorgeous : Extremely Beautiful (not strictly Aussie but is combined to give “drop dead gorgeous” or “stunningly gorgeous” to imply shock at how very beautiful a person - normally a woman - is). Goss : gossip. Common use is, “what’s the goss” meaning tell me what is going on or what is the gossip. Grannie Flat : dwelling for elderly relatives attached. May be attached to the house or located separately in the backyard. Greenie : environmentalist Greens : member of the political Green Party (environmentally based political party) Greengrocer : person who sells fruit and vegetables Gregory Peck : rhyming slang for neck Grinning like a shot fox : very happy, smugly satisfied Grog : liquor, beer ("bring your own grog, you bludger") Grub : food Gumboots : knee-high waterproof boots made of rubber Gurgler : drain Gurgler, down the : ended badly, “the whole thing went down the gurgler”. Grog : alcohol Ground Floor : the floor at ground level outside the building, the first floor is the next floor up or first after ground. Grouse (adj.) : great, terrific, very good Grundies : undies, underwear, rhyming slang for undies (underwear), also used as “Reg Grundies”, Reg Grundy was a television producer in the 1960s Gun : to be gun at something is to be very good or the best at something , e.g.., a gun shearer is the best shearer. Gutful of piss : drunk, "he's got a gutful of piss" Gyno : gynaecologist Guzzle : drink in a noisy and greedy manner H To top ▲ Hair Pins : bobby pins Handbag : a woman's purse. Handle : beer glass with a handle Hang on : wait a moment Hanky panky : something a little sneaky or sex games (getting up to a little hanky panky). Happy as a pig in mud : very happy, also happy as a pig in shit Happy little Vegemite : a happy and contented person. Derived from an advertising campaign recently revived where happy children eating Vegemite are described as happy little Vegemites. Hard Yakka : hard work Harold Holt, to do the : To bolt. (Also "to do the Harold") Have a burl, have a crack, have a go : to attempt to do something considered a little difficult. Having a blue : having a fight or argument. Having a shag/having a naughty : sexual intercourse. He's got a goog : he's got a bump as big as an egg. He's got tickets on himself : highly self opinionated, thinks they are just great Headmaster – headmistress : the school principal, or sometimes vice principals in charge of boy/girls details. Heaps : lots, very much. Hen fruit : eggs, see also goog. Hen Pecked : controlled or told what to do by your wife Herb : means herb, but the "h" is pronounced. I.e.., "herb" instead of "erb". His nibs : the boss, or the head of a group or some one who perceives themselves as being in charge. Hoick : to lift, jerk, or throw in a somewhat inelegant manner. Hole in the Wall : ATM, automatic teller machine Holiday : annual leave Holidays : usually refers to time off work or school, vacation Home and hosed : used to indicate that something has been completed successfully and easily. The implication is that the horse has run his race and is "home and hosed" before the other runners come in. Also indicates that the result was a foregone conclusion. Hoof : a foot. Hoof it : to walk rather than take transport. Holy-dooly : an expression of surprise = "Good heavens!", "My goodness!" "Good grief!" or similar Hooly dooley! : an exclamation of surprise = "Good heavens!", "My goodness!" "Good grief!" or similar Hoon : hooligan Hooroo : goodbye, pronounced with or without the "h" , the implication is that you are also saying "see you later". Hopeless : No hope, without hope, “It’s hopeless” meaning it cant be done, “you’re hopeless” meaning you are no good (we hold no hope for you). Hotel : often just a pub Hottie : hot water bottle Hum dinger : an excellent something. Something is a real hum dinger. HSC : high school certificate (diploma), in some states this is called matriculation. I To top ▲ I kid you not : I am telling you the truth. Ice Block : popsicle, ice lolly, ice sweet on a stick Icing : the decorative sugary coating on cakes. Icing sugar : very fine sugar used to make icing, finer than castor sugar. Icy pole : a popsicle, sometimes called an ice block. Idiot box : television, often abbreviated to "the box". Iffy : used to indicate that something is a bit suspicious. I got the wog : a cold, flu or virus Illawarra Plums : unique dark red berry of the Brown Pine, unusual fruit has its stone on the outside I'm easy : 1) not worried, not concerned, or has no preference to the outcome of a choice, 2) Can be used to express being sexually permissive, “she’s easy” (she will have sex with anyone – often rude but not amongst friends) or “I’m easy but I’m not cheap” (alluding to prostitution of oneself, having sex with anyone but costing a lot of money – most often humorous). In a tic : in a moment, very shortly. In the altogether : in the nude, see also birthday suit. In the bag : a forgone conclusion that the "job" is as good as done, the "competition" is as good as won, etc., Iron Underpants : girdles, figure controlling underwear It's a goer : something that will definitely occur. Ivories : your teeth. I will job you! : I will hit you or punch you. J To top ▲ Jack of something : to be sick and tired of something or doing something. Jack of all trades : to be good at doing everything, do, repairing or making all kinds of things. Jackaroo : a young male station (ranch) hand or apprentice. A Jillaroo is the female equivalent. Perhaps from the Spanish, "caballero", meaning horseman. Jacky : slang for an aboriginal native, now out of use and politically incorrect. Joe Blake : Snake Jaffle : a toasted sandwich. Jaffle iron : originally a cast iron device to make jaffles on a camp fire, the name now also applies to the "civilised" electrical versions. Jelly : a flavoured water based gelatin desert. Jelly kneed : to be a weak person, a coward or someone who is procrastinating doing something emotionally difficult. From "jelly" above. Jersey : sweater, see also jumper. Jiffy : a very short time. To do something in a jiffy is also instantaneous. Jillaroo : a female jackeroo. Joe blake : a snake Joe Bloggs : the average person in the street. Although the term is male, it is non-specific and therefore signifies a person of either sex. Joey : a baby kangaroo still in its mothers pouch. Jug : electric kettle Joker : a bloke or person, said in an affectionate way as there is often something amusing about this person. Journo : journalist Jumbuck : a sheep Jumper : usually a woollen sweater Just down the road : literally just down the road, but then you don't know how long the road is. It could be a short distance or hundreds of kilometers. Just quietly : confidentially K To top ▲ K : kilometer Kafuffle : a commotion. Kangaroo : The larger marsupials of the family Macropodidae. It has short forelimbs but long feet and powerful legs with a tail for support and balance, and moves around by bounding and leaping. Tasty, virtually fat-free meat, popular preserved as jerky or smoked not common enough in local diet given the species ability to breed at a high rate when there is more feed and slow again when there is not. This makes it a perfect species for a country with is often very dry as they control their own population in tune with the climate. Legend has it that when the white man first came to Australia he asked an Aboriginal the name for the funny looking creature bounding in the distance. Apparently the Aborigine replied "Kangaroo" which in the Aborigine language means "I don't understand you". So now we have an animal called "I don't understand you". Dinkum? Dunno, but an amusing story nonetheless. Kakadu Plum : sharp flavoured green plum has the world’s highest recorded fruit content of vitamin C Kangaroos loose in the top paddock, a few : Intellectually inadequate ("he's got kangaroos loose in the top paddock") Kaput : something is broken ruined beyond repair. Kark it : to die or cease operation. Keen as mustard : extremely enthusiastic. From the brand of powdered mustard manufactured by the Keen company. Get it? Keen's Mustard, keen as mustard.. Kelpie : a sheep dog or cattle dog. The kelpie bloodline comes from dogs imported from Scotland, and indeed kelpie is Gaelic for water sprite. Kero : kerosene Kick in the teeth : a set back. Kick in, pitch in : to share, donate or join in. Kick the bucket : to die. Same as to push up daisies, keel over, go west, buy the farm... Kiddiwink : young child Kindy : kindergarten, preschool. Kip : a short sleep Kiwi : person from New Zealand, a New Zealander Knackered : puzzled or exhausted (it has me knackered or I am totally knackered). Knee high to a grasshopper : very short, normally used with children. Knickers : female underwear Knock : to criticise. Knock back : to refuse something, or to eat or drink something hurriedly. Knocker : somebody who criticises Knock off : to stop work for the day or to steal. L To top ▲ Lair : a flashily dressed young man of brash and vulgar behaviour, to dress up in flashy clothes, to renovate or dress up something in bad taste Lair it up : to behave in a brash and vulgar manner Lairy : flashy, particularly appearance. Lamb-brained : some one who is stupid or impractical. Lame brain : a foolish or unintelligent person. Lamington : An Australian delicacy, made from sponge cake cut into squares, and covered in chocolate and coconut. Apparently Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 1895 - 1901. Lamington drive : a traditional way of raising money for charity by selling Lamingtons. Similar the Brownies selling cookies in America. However, these days fund raising is done by selling manufactured chocolate and the likes which doesn't seem to have the same feeling. Larrikin : a rowdy irresponsible and rascally boy or young man, enjoying himself, prankster Lay by : to purchase an item from a store by paying instalments. Lead foot : a fast and reckless driver. Leckie : and electrician (also Sparky) Legend : a person who excels, is a champion or hero, or all around good guy. Lemonade : Sparkling lemon flavoured drink. US = soda pop. Lemon squash : A still drink made from Lemons, Sugar and Water. US = Lemonade. Lemon Myrtle : rain forest tree leaves and stems with a wonderful citrus flavour and aroma. Lend of, to have a : to take advantage of somebody's gullibility, to have someone on ("he's having a lend of you") Letterbox : mailbox Lift : elevator, box going up and down between floors in buildings. Light Globe : light bulb Li-Lo : air mattress Lingo : language Lino : linoleum Lionel Rose : rhyming slang for nose (Lionel rose was an Australian boxer) Lippy, lippie : lipstick Liquid amber, amber fluid : beer Liquid laugh : vomit Littlie : small child, toddler Little Buggers : children (bugger may be considered rude in some situations) Lizard drinking, flat out like a : flat out, busy Lob : to arrive. Lob in : to call on someone or to drop in to see someone. Local rag : noun:- local newspaper. Lofty : nickname for a short person (loft being an attic or high place) Lollies : sweets, candy Lollipop lady or man : the person who supervises school crossings. Lolly water : Soft drink, usually carbonated and high in sugar content. Lolly, lollies : sweets made with sugar. UK = sweeties, US = Candy. Lolly also means money. London to a brick : absolute certainty ("it's London to a brick that taxes won't go down") Long paddock : the side of the road where livestock is grazed during droughts Longneck : 750ml bottle of beer in South Australia Loo : toilet Lounge : sofa, couch Lucky Country : Australia, THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD! (OK, so I am biased.) Lucky Country, The : Australia, where else? Lug : to carry, usually something heavy and for a long time or distance. Also you ear. Lunch, who opened their? : who farted? Lurk : stand about suspiciously Lurk : a scheme for success. A lurk can be either legal or illegal. M To top ▲ Macca's : McDonald's (pronounced mackers) Macadamia Nuts : delicious crunchy textured nut that grows widely in New South Wales and Queensland. Native to Queensland, samples were stolen from Australia by the Americans, in the USA they are referred to as California Nuts. Maggies : magpies, an Australian black and white crow like bird. Make a quid : to earn a basic living. Make do : to get by or cope with the basic necessities. Make tracks : to leave, depart or head off. Mallee : a region straddling the borders of Victoria and South Australia covered by scrub. A particular type of Gum tree, the Mallee Gum, has very knotty hard wood and is highly prized for wood burning stoves. Mallee bull, as fit as a : very fit and strong. The Mallee is very arid beef country in Victoria/South Australia. Manchester : household linen. Map Of Tassie : Mappa Tassie, map of Tasmania - a woman's natural pubic hair. Normall shaped like the map of the Southern Island State of Tasmania. Mash : mashed potatoes, potato and milk pounded to a course paste (may include herbs, served with gravy or as a side to other items) Mate : buddy, friend Mate's rate, mate's discount : lowest discount, cheaper than usually for a "friend" Matilda : swagman's bedding, sleeping roll Metho : methylated spirits Mate : a general greeting term and familiar greeting amongst men whether a friend or total stranger. Similar to Cobber. I find it amazing that whenever I am abroad and meet another Aussie, I immediately refer to him/her as mate. US = buddy. Matilda : the old term for a swagman's bedroll, swag, pack, or sack which contained essentials (sometime complete belongings) when traveling in the bush by foot. See Waltzing Matilda. Meadow Cakes : cow patties, dung Meat Pie : Single portion mince meat pies. Small and sturdy enough to be held in your hands for eating. Sold everywhere including sporting and other events. Metho : methylated spirits, also a person who drinks it. Mexican : some one south of the border. i.e. a Victorian is a Mexican to a New south Welshman, who is a Mexican to a Queenslander. However a Taswegan is never a Mexican as Tasmania is separated from the main continent by the Tasman sea. Mexican : a person from south of the Queensland or New South Wales border Mickey Mouse : excellent, very good. Beware though - in some parts of Australia it means inconsequential, frivolous or not very good! Middy : medium sized glass of beer (about 266ml or 9 oz.) in New South Wales Milk bar : a small corner shop selling general daily foodstuffs and newspapers. In Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia Called a Deli or Corner Shop elsewhere. Milko : milkman Milo : malt/chocolate energy food drink, also sprinkled on ice cream Misery guts : a constant complainer, Scrooge is a good example. Mob : group of people, or herd of kangaroos Mobile : cellular or mobile phone Moleskins : cotton trousers designed for comfort when riding a horse. The name comes from the brushed finish that is similar to the softness of moles fur. Molly dooka : a natural left handed person. Mollycoddle : to fuss over or pamper unnecessarily. Mongrel : despicable person, dog of mixed breeding Moo juice : milk Moolah : money Morning Tea : light, mid-morning tea or coffee break Morton Bay Bug : small crayfish from Queensland and Northern Territory Mossie, mozzie : a mosquito. Mucking around/about : simply playing around with no real intent or purpose. Mudguard : fender Mudbugs : crayfish Muddy, Muddie : 1) covered in mud, 2) mud crab, large crab found throughout northern Australia (a great delicacy) Mug : friendly insult ("have a go, yer mug"), gullible person Mull : grass (the kind you smoke) Mulga : the outback bush. Mum : short for mother. US = Mom (because they don’t know better). Mum, stay : keep a secret Mushie : a mushroom. Muso : musician Muster : round up sheep or cattle Mystery bags : sausages. So named because you don't really know what the ingredients are. See also snags. Mystery pack : a meat pie. So named because you don't really know what the ingredients are. N To top ▲ Naff : useless, low quality, ridiculous. Nappy : the correct word for diaper another Americanism. A cloth or if your not an environmentally responsible person, plastic disposable item for keeping nasty smelling and damp baby emissions in. Nanny : grandmother Nark : a continual complainer, whiner or spoil-sport, police narcotics agent. Narked : to be very annoyed about something/someone. Nasho : National Service (compulsory military service) Naught, nought : zero (the number 0), nil, none. Naughty, have a : have sex Near and Far : Bar (bar for serving drinks at a pub) Neddies : racing horses. Never never : a desert region of the Northern Territory of Australia, popularised by the book 'We of the never-never". Never never, to put something on the : to put something on credit. New Australian : a migrant to Australia. Newsreader : person who reads the news on TV or radio. News anchor (USA and Canada) Nick : nude, especially sleeping, “he sleeps in the nick”. Nick : the condition of an object (in good nick). Nick, in the : nude, particularly used when referring to sleeping habits. Nick off : go away. Can be used to explain that someone is leaving, or as an expletive to tell someone rather rudely to go away. Nick out : to pop out for a short period of time. Nick, to : to steal something. Nifty : stylish Nip : a derogatory term for someone from Japan or Japanese descent. From the Second World War and now an unacceptable term. Nipper : young child, usually younger brother or sister, also a young surf lifesaver. Nipper : young surf lifesaver Noah's Ark : shark No drama, no dramas : same as 'no worries' No worries! : typical Aussie attitude that everything will be OK, there will be no problems, No worries! : Expression of forgiveness or reassurance (No problem; forget about it; I can do it; Yes, I'll do it) Noggin : you head! No-hoper : somebody who'll never do well Nong : a silly person or fool. North Island : Mainland Australia, according to the residents of Tasmania. Nose, on the : either smelly, offensive, disagreeable, or to indicate that someone's opinion or guess is correct. Not the full quid : not bright intellectually Nuddy : naked Nuddy, in the : in the nude Nuddy, in the : naked Nun's knickers (fanny), as dry as a : very dry Nursing : holding the baby. In the USA it means to breast feed the baby, we figure it is mostly because they are prudes and can’t use the word breast in public. Nut : head, to be nutted is to be hit in the head (cockney slang) Nut out : hammer out or work out (an agreement, say) O To top ▲ Ocker : (pron. ock-a) a stereotyped uncultivated or uncultured Aussie male who exhibits excessive drinking of alcohol, womanising, chauvinism, and worships the God called Footy! To call a female ocker is to suggest that she is somewhat masculine. Similar to the US redneck. See also yobbo. Off one's face : to be extremely drunk. Off sider : an assistant or partner. Off the beaten track : away from the main traffic, to use seldom used roads or simply to avoid civilisation. Old chook : a disliked and interfering woman. From chook meaning chicken. The reference is perhaps to being “Hen Pecked” which is to be picked on or controlled by your wife. Old Dears : senior citizens or your parents Old fella : penis Old folks : Parents Old man : either your Father, or your Husband. Old woman : either your Mother or your Wife. Oldies : parents - "I'll have to ask my oldies" On for young and old : used to indicate that a situation is out of control, usually referring to a fight or an argument. Onya : an expression of encouragement, short for “good on you”. Op shop : opportunity shop, thrift store, place where second hand goods are sold. O.S. : overseas ("he's gone O.S.") Out in the sticks : out in the bush, away from civilisation, in remote areas. Out of whack : out of calibration or disorderly. Outback : the remote rural districts, bush or hinterland. Basically away from civilisation or major settlements. Outhouse : toilet, dunny. Before modern sewage, the toilet was in it's own little "house" in the backyard. Hence out house. Over-The-Shoulder Boulder-Holder : bra, brassiere Ow-yar-goin : how are you? Oz : alternate spelling of Aus, short for Australia, THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD! P To top ▲ Pack a wallop : to punch someone convincingly and with force. Descriptive of a very nasty smell. Paddock : a field or meadow, usually on a farm. see long paddock. Pamphlet : brochure Panel beater : a car or automobile body work repairer or repair shop. Parcel : package. Pash, pash on : a long and enthusiastic kiss. Pat Malone : rhyming slang for alone Pavement : sidewalk Pav : Pavlova - a rich, creamy Australian dessert, named for the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova Pavlova : a traditional Australian dessert, a cream filled meringue case with fresh fruit on top. Named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Peckish : hungry Pesky : annoying Pester : to bother or annoy someone. Perve (noun & verb) : looking lustfully at another person Petrol : short for petroleum, gasoline Petrol station : gas station Phone box : a public telephone housing. Pictures : movies, see also flicks Pie floater : a meat pie floating on a thick pea puree. Look terrible, tastes good, particularly on a cold winter nights. Native to Adelaide, see also floater. Piece of piss : easy task Pig's arse! : I don't agree with you, that is a lie. Pigs Bum : that's wrong, or incorrect, polite version of pigs arse. Piker : Someone who doesn't want to fit in with others socially, leaves parties early Pikelet : small pancake Piker : someone who either does not join in with others, or gives up an activity before it is finished. Pinch : to steal, also to arrest. Pink slip, get the : get the sack (from the colour of the termination form). In some states a pink slip is a sticker in the window of a car indicating that it is no longer allowed to be driven on the road Pint : large glass of beer (esp. in South Australia) Piss : beer. Hence "hit the piss", "sink some piss" Plant the foot : to drive fast by putting your foot down on the accelerator. Plate, bring a : Instruction on party or BBQ invitation to bring your own food. It doesn't mean they're short of crockery! Play sillybuggers : messing around, wasting time. Plodder : a slow worker, but one who eventually gets the job done. Plonk : cheap wine. Also to put something down unceremoniously (plonk it down there). Plonked : drunk Poddy : young unweaned calf Pokies : poker machines, slot machines - prior to electronic push button machines they were known as one arm bandits for the pull leaver on the side and the fact they steal your money Polly : politician Polish off : to finish or complete something. Used to polish off a meal, or to polish off a job. Polo Neck Jumper : turtle-neck sweater (USA) Pom, pommy, pommie : A person from England, probably derived from “Prisoner Of Mother England - prisoner referring to the people who didn’t escape as convicts, Australia was a convict settlement of England. Pommy bastard : an Englishman (see also 'bastard') Pommy shower : using deodorant or washing face and arm pits instead of taking a shower or bath Pommy's towel, as dry as a : very dry - based on the canard that Poms bathe about once a month Poof, poofter, pooftah : a homosexual male (often but not always derogatory), may be an endearing greeting between friends, “g’day you great hairy poof”. Poofteenth : poof-teen-th; an extremely small quantity Pooped : tired, exhausted Poppy : grandfather Porky : Lie, untruth (pork pie = lie) Port : suitcase (portmanteau) Possie, pozzie : position or spot. (Find a good possie to eat our lunch.) Post a letter : mail a letter Post code : zip code Postie : postman, mailman, mail delivery person Pot : 285 ml beer glass in Queensland and Victoria, Refer also Schooner. Also used for Marijuana. Pozzy : position - get a good pozzy at the football stadium Pram : baby carriage, short for perambulator Prang : an accident or crash, usually with any road transport vehicle. Prawns : large shrimp. To buy, they're called prawns if cooked and green prawns when raw. Aussies love their prawns and eat heaping platefuls. Yanks be warned, they're cooked and served in the shell with the head attached. Preggers : pregnant, similar in use to up the duff. Pressie, prezzy : present, gift Press Studs : snaps Pro : short for professional can also mean a sex worker or prostitute. Pub : public house for buying and drinking alcohol, hotel, tavern or bar often with rooms and meals available. Puffed : out of breath. Puke : vomit. Pull the pin : to stop an activity or withdraw support Pull up stumps : to stop an activity, usually for the day and usually to go home. From the game of Cricket, where the stumps are pulled up and out of the ground at the end of the day's play. Pull ya head in : I don't want to listen to you so shut up. Pupil : student Push bike : a bicycle Pusher : baby stroller Put a snag on the barbie : a sausage cooked on a barbeque. That's what real Aussies cook. Put up, A: Something faked or not real. Used to distract, rob or swindle. Put up; Put up with: to tolerate something or someone. Q To top ▲ QANTAS : Australia's national air carrier. QANTAS is an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd. Quack : a doctor, especially a bad one. Quandong : wild, or desert, peach is the famous bush tucker fruit. High in Vitamin C. Common to arid areas. Quay : wharf Queen : poof, pansy, poof, queer, ponce. homosexual, especially an effeminate one. Queensland nut : a Macadamia nut. Queer : homosexual Queue : a line of people. Quick smart : straight away, in a hurry. Quid : One pound, Australia currency before decimalisation. Quid, make a : earn a living - "are you making a quid?" Quid, not the full : of low IQ. [Historical note: 'quid' is slang for a pound. £1 became $2 when Australia converted to decimal currency] Quids : lots of money. Quilt : a soft light blanket for a bed. R To top ▲ Rack off : go away, used when very angry with someone. Push off! get lost! get out of here! also "rack off hairy legs!". Most often insulting but can be used amongst friends in jest. Rage : party Rage on : to continue partying - "we raged on until 3am" Rake : a comb Rapt : pleased, delighted, short for of enraptured Ratbag : a contemptible or obnoxious or untrustworthy person, on the eccentric side, who behaves improperly, or any combination of the above. A mild insult, mild enough to use with kids or in jest but can be used more seriously in the right context; trouble maker. Examples, mild “your a rat bag of a kid”, serious “he is in prison because he is a absolute rat bag”. Raw prawn, to come the : to bullshit, to be generally disagreeable Razoo : a fictitious coin made from brass. The term is usually used to indicate that someone has no money. "I haven't got a brass razoo!" RBT : Random Breath Test, roadside testing for alcohol Reckon! : you bet! Absolutely! Reefer : Marijuana cigarette also called a Joint. Reef 'n Beef : surf 'n turf (US). Dinner combination of meat and seafood. Reel of Cotton : spool of thread Reffo : refugee Rego : vehicle registration Relief teacher : a substitute teacher Rellie or relo : family relative Rellies : short for relatives. Reo : steel reinforcing bar used in constructions. Resting your eyes : Waking up and not admitting you were asleep, “I was only resting my eyes”. Retrench : reducing the total number of employees by laying off Rice bubbles : the correct name for rice krispies, puffed rice cereal in the shape of little bubbles. Ridgie didge : genuine, the real thing. Right, she : it'll be all right Right, that'd be : Accepting bad news as inevitable. ("I went fishing but caught nothing." "Yeah, that'd be right.") Pikelet : similar to a small pancake but slightly sweet, it's sold ready-made in grocery stores or made fresh at home Ring in : a substitute or impostor. Rip off : to cheat Rip snorter : great, fantastic - "it was a rip snorter of a party" Ripper : great, fantastic, admiration, someone or something exciting - "it was a ripper party" Ripper, you little! : Exclamation of delight or as a reaction to good news Rissole : a meat patty, although shaped like a little ball rather than being flat. Eaten as part of a meal rather than like a hamburger. Road Kill : dead animals killed by motor vehicles. Some times used in conversation to describe unattractive food. Road train : big truck with many trailers Rock melon : cantaloupe Rock Oysters : Popular edible oysters. Eaten straight from the shell, grilled or poached. Rock up : to turn up, to arrive - "we rocked up at their house at 8pm" Rolley, Rollie : a cigarette that you roll yourself, see also durrey. Ron : short for later on. Roo : short for Kangaroo. Roo bar : a strong metal bar at the front of vehicles to protect them against hitting a Kangaroo. In the bush hitting a Kangaroo can be dangerous. They move fast and can swerve on a pin point. So you could be driving along and suddenly there is a Roo bouncing off you bonnet. And they are big, solid and heavy, and can easily total a car. However in the city they can be dangerous to pedestrians and there is currently moves to ban them in built up areas. Roo bar : stout bar fixed to the front of a vehicle to protect it against hitting kangaroos (also bull bar) Root (verb and noun) : synonym for fuck in nearly all its senses: "I feel rooted"; "this washing machine is rooted"; "(s)he's a good root". A very useful word in friendly company. Root rat : somebody who is constantly looking for sex. Ropable : extremely angry. Ropeable : very angry Roundabout : a circular construction at a traffic intersection to guide the traffic around. Rort (verb or noun) : Cheating, fiddling, defrauding, cheating the system (expenses, the system etc.). Often describing the practices of politicians. Rotten : drunk - "I went out last night and got rotten" R.S.L. : Returned & Services League. Social clubs for returned service personnel. People mistakenly refer to all Service Clubs and Memorial Clubs as RSL Clubs. Only those clubs associated with the RSL should be called RSL Clubs. Rubber : 1) eraser, 2) a condom. Rubbish : 1) garbage or waste, 2) to criticize, demean verbally something someone has said, “that’s rubbish”. Rubbish bin : a garbage can. US = trash can. Rugby : thug ball to Aussie Rules fans, a form of football where you carry the ball whilst running rather than kick it. There are two versions, League and Union, with the rules differing slightly. Rug Up : put on clothes to keep warm Rug Rat : baby Runners : tennis shoes, sneakers Ruski : person from Russia. Communist Russian would have been a Red, Commie or Commo. S To top ▲ Sack : a bed. Used as "hit the sack" = go to sleep. Sack, to : to terminate employment, to fire. Salute, Aussie : brushing flies away. More commonly Aussie wave. Salvo : a member of the Salvation Army. A term now also embraced by the Salvation Army in fund raising campaigns. Salvos, the : Salvation Army Sammie, Sammo, Sambo : sandwich Sandgroper : a resident of Western Australia, after a sand-burrowing desert insect. Sand shoes : joggers, sneakers, trainers, usually made from canvas. Sandwich : two slices of yeast bread with a filling or fillings of choice between Sanga, sanger : a sandwich. Sauce : the "correct" term for ketchup. Normally more fruit, less sugar than ketchup. Sausage Roll : meat surrounded by pastry and baked Satadee : Saturday Sav : saveloy a sausage (see also "fair suck of the sav!") Scallops : 1) deep fried potato cakes, but only in Queensland and New South Wales, whereas else where they are called Potato Cakes; 2) small shellfish also called sea scallops. Scarce as hen's teeth : very scarce or very rare. Scheme : a method or system for earning money. Usually no negative connotations, but not always. Schooie, Schooey : a schooner of beer. Schoolie : a teenager of school age or just graduated. Schoolies week is now quite a tradition where High School graduates celebrate the end of the academic year with a week of revelry in southern Queensland. There is concern however that the celebrations are getting somewhat out of hand. School Leaver : child permanently leaving school, often at the minimum specified age and without their HSC or matriculation (final/completion) certificate. Schooner : a large beer glass in New South Wales and South Australia, elsewhere called a Pot. Large beer glass in Queensland; medium beer glass in South Australia Scoffee : Iced Coffee, cold coffee milk drink available commercially in cartons or in cafés with ice cream and cream, mostly used in the top end of the Northern Territory (initially used to refer to the local commercially produced Pauls iced coffee and given life by Peter “Flora” Florance and Gordon Roberts in the 1980s, is now commonly understood). Scone : a fat soft biscuit that is often eaten with jam Scorcher : very hot day. In capital cities a schorcher would be 35c and up, in the bush 40c and up. Scratchy, Scratchie : instant lottery ticket Screamer : party lover; "two pot screamer" - somebody who gets drunk on very little alcohol Script : drug prescription from doctor to be given to a chemist (pharmacist) Seppo :, rhyming word with Yank Seppo : person who empties the dunny or septic tank, also another term for a person from the USA (old rhyming slang, septic tank = yank) Septic Tank : person from the USA, rhyming word with Yank Servo : petrol station Serviette : table napkin Scum : person of low moral character, someone you do not like (mostly derogatory, can be humorous with friends). Scum Bag : see Scum. Scrub : native vegetation, similar to bush but with fewer and shorter trees. Scrub, to : to clean vigorously. Secateurs : garden shears Secondary school : high school. Section : a plot of land. Referring to the original settlement days when people receiving a land grant would make their selection from and available offering. Seppo, septic, septic tank : a derogatory term for an American, "septic tank" rhyming with "yank". Serviette : paper table napkin Servo : a service station, where you [purchase petrol or gasoline. Shag on a rock, stands out like a : very obvious Shark biscuit : somebody new to surfing Sheepshagger : A New Zealander Sheila : a common term for an Australia female, usually single and probably good looking. It probably originated from the high number of female immigrants from Ireland called Sheelagh. She'll be apples, she'll be right, she'll be sweet : everything will be OK, there is no need to worry, giving someone assurance. Shirty : to niggle, argue over petty things, be upset, or even angry, a bad mood. Shit house (adj.) : of poor quality, not enjoyable ("this car is shit house", "the movie was shit house") Shit house (noun) : toilet, lavatory Shonky : low or suspect quality, either of a thing or a persons character, dubious, underhanded. E.g. a shonky practice, shonky business etc.. US = cheesy. Shoot through : to leave or disappear, usually in a hurry. Shout : to buy drink at a pub for all the people in your group. The system is reciprocal in that next time someone else will "shout". An important custom to follow when drinking in Australia. Shove off : used to tell someone to go away in an angry tone of voice. Showie : person working in a travelling carnival or side show. Also carnie. Show pony : someone who tries hard, by his dress or behaviour, to impress those around him. Appearance is more important than ability to this person. Shut ya gob : be quiet. Shrimp : a short person (derogatory unless amongst friends) or a sea food Shut eye : sleep. Sickie : a day off work, although often the reasons for taking a sickie have nothing to do with sickness or health but rather with when you don't feel like working and want to do other things such as recreation and enjoyment. Sicko :. pervert, depraved person, person with low moral values, unclean, bad or dirty habits (humorous with friends). Singlet : a sleeveless cotton undershirt. Skedaddle : to depart quickly. Skeg : Surf rider Skerrick : an very small quantity, usually immeasurable. Skid Lid : a term used by motorcycle riders to describe a safety helmet, see also blood bucket or bone dome Skint : broke, absolutely NO money. Skinny Dipping : swimming naked Skite : boast, brag Skivvy : a shirt with a turtle neck. Skull, to : to drink your drink in one go. Skull/Skol (a beer) : to drink a beer in a single draught without taking a breath Slab : a carton of 24 cans (tinnies) or stubbies of beer. Slack : lazy.. Slacker : a person who either does not work or who tries there best to get away with doing as little work as possible, even if this threatens their salary. Slacking : being lazy. Sleepout : house verandah, porch converted to a bedroom Slog : hard and strenuous work, See also Yakka. Sock : punch or hit someone.. Solicitor : lawyer, attorney Sook : cry baby, timid and shy cowardly person Slouch Hat : famous hat worn by the Australian Army. Symbol of Aussie courage and pride. Smoko : originally a 10-15 minute break from work for a cigarette, it now means a break for a cup of tea/coffee. Snag : a thin sausage or a problem. For a problem the reference is taken from the fishing term describing something which your line gets caught on. UK = banger. SNAG : Sensitive New Age Guy, a man sensitive to a woman’s needs. Snow job : a con job , a misdirection from the truth. Sook : a weak-willed person who is likely to burst into tears ad the slightest provocation. person or animal who is soft, tame, inoffensive. Spag bol : spaghetti bolognaise Sparkie : an electrician, also called a leckie Sparrows fart : early in the morning dawn or pre-dawn. “I have to get up at sparrows fart”. Spewin' : very angry, throwing up Spiffed : drunk, intoxicated or happy, overjoyed. Spiffy, pretty spiffy : great, excellent. Spit the dummy : to make up a fuss, to have a tantrum (dummy is a baby's pacifier in USA, item for babies to suck on) Sponge, sponger : a free loader, or one who lives of the good graces of another. Sport : a generic term for a male friend, similar to mate, mainly used with children and in some rural areas. Spot on : perfect, correct or exact. Sprog : semen Sprog, Sproglet : offspring, children Spruiker : man who stands outside a nightclub, shop or restaurant trying to persuade people to enter by speaking loudly to passersby about what is on offer inside. Sprung : caught doing something wrong Spud : potato Spunk : a good looking person (of either sex) Square the Circle : attempt the impossible, not common more commonly “putting the square peg in the round hole”. Squatter : originally a land owner who leased land from the Government, it now refers to someone who is occupying someone else's land illegally. Squiz, squizz : a scrutinising look. Stack : an accident, normal a vehicle accident Stack hat : a bicycle helmet, stack being an accident and a hat being a thing on your head Standover man : a large man, usually gang-related, who threatens people with physical violence in order to have his wishes carried out. Starkers : Naked. State School : public school, government funded, the primary form of education in Australia. Because they are in essence non-denominational, Private Schools exist to provide a number of cultural and religious education options. Station : a large farm (100s of kilometres in size), usually cattle or sheep. US = ranch. Stark bollocking naked : phrase used in conversation normally to describe a tate of shock at finding someone naked. Starkers : naked. Can also mean crazy, mad, insane (but not often). Start raving mad : totally insane Stickybeak : an overly inquisitive or nosy person who cannot mind their own business. Stockman : person who tends livestock on horseback. (Cowboy USA) Stoked : very pleased Stonkered : drunk Strewth, struth : an exclamation or expression of amazement, mild oath ("Strewth, that Chris is a bonzer bloke") perhaps short for "its the truth". Strides : trousers : Strine : Australian slang and pronunciation. Strine is a nasally contraction of "Australian". Stroppy : difficult, complaining, angry Stubby : small short-necked bottle of beer (about 375ml or 12 oz.) Stubbie holder : normally made from polystyrene a holder for a stubbie beer bottle that increases the grip factor and keeps the beer cool. Stubbies : a brand name for a style of men's shorts. Not to be confused with "stubby" which is a small size bottle of beer. Stuffed : exhausted Stuffed, I'll be : expression of surprise Stuffed up : messed up. Stunned mullet : used to describe the look on someone's face who is absolutely surprised, bewildered or uncomprehending. Sunbake : sunbathe Sunday Best : Best clothes, taken from a time when you wore your best clothing when going to church on Sunday. Sundee : Sunday Sunnies : sunglasses Sunshine State : Queensland, (slogan "Beautiful one day, perfect the next"). Sus : suspicious Sus, to : to inspect or look into a situation. Also to sus out. Sussed : used to indicate that something in a situation has been investigated and is now understood or figured out. Surfies : people who go surfing - usually more often than they go to work! Swag : the old term for a swagman's bedroll, swag, pack, or sack which contained essentials (usually a blanker, billy, flour, tea and sugar which were sometimes his complete belongings) when travelling in the bush by foot. See also Matilda. Swaggie, swagman : from the Great Depression Era, a wander who travelled the country side looking for casual work when work was scarce in the cities. He would take along enough possessions in his Swag, see above. A swagman - a tramp. From the Great Depression when so many were out of work. Sweet : good, in context is “everything is sweet” Sweets : dessert for dinner, or another word for candy and lollies. Swimmers : swim suit Swot : studious person Swot, to : to study hard, usually whilst at school T To top ▲ Ta : thank you TAFE : Tertiary and Further Education. Government funded higher education, similar to university but offering trade level education. Tailgate : to drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you. Take away food : food that you take home to eat, US = take out. Take away, take away shop : eatery with food generally eaten off the premises Taking a sickie : taking time off work when not really sick Tall poppy : a successful person or achiever who, as a result, is the target of jealousy and grudging remarks. Tall poppies : successful people Tall poppy syndrome : the Australian tendency to criticize successful people Tallie : very large bottle of beer (about 750ml or 24 oz.) Tally ho : a brand name for popular cigarette papers. Tap : faucet Tassie : Tasmania, also see map of tassie which is something else again. Taswegian : derogatory term for a person from Tasmania Tats : tattoo Taxi rank : a taxi stand. Tea : light meal late afternoon or the evening meal and usually the main meal of the day. Also called dinner and a drink. Technicolor yawn : vomit Tee up : to arrange or organise an event, to set up (an appointment) Telly : television The Alice : Alice Springs, Northern Territory The build up : the 1 to 3 months of hot humid weather which proceed the tropical northern wet season rains. The Gabba : a cricket ground at Wooloongabba in Brisbane. Its easier to say Gabba than Wooloongabba! The Gong : Wollongong, New South Wales The long paddock : the areas alongside country roads and stock routes often used to graze cattle during droughts or rough times. The Lucky Country : Australia (of course) The Rock : Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), Northern Territory The Wet, the wet season : the rainy season during Summer in northern tropical Australia and in the central desert areas. Thingo : Wadjamacallit, thingummy, whatsit This arvo : this afternoon. Thongs : rubber sandals, called flip-flops in New Zealand on account of the noise they make when walking. Throw-down : small bottle of beer which you can throw down quickly. Thick Skinned : someone who can accept insult without hurt. Skin so thick insults and bad words can not get through. Thug ball : Rugby, description usually used derogatorily by Aussie Rules fans. Thunder box : dunny, toilet. Tickets, to have on oneself : to have a high opinion of oneself Tinfoil : aluminum foil Tingle, to give someone a : to give someone a telephone call. Tin Lid : kid (rhyming slang) Tinny, tinnie : 1) a can of beer; 2) low quality, shonky; 3) small aluminium boat in the Northern Territory and Queensland, even though they are both made of aluminium. Tin-arsed, tinny : lucky Tip : rubbish dump (garbage dump USA) Toad-in-the-Hole : 1) egg cooked into the middle of fried bread, 2) sausages or other meat baked in batter Togs : bathers or swimming costume in Queensland and Victoria. Toilet : Dunny, Loo, Lav, Little Room, Throne Room, Thunder Box, Toot, Bog, Long Drop, Karsie, Powder Room (I may have left some out yet). For men’s toilets the sign may say – Men, Gents, stallions (male horse). For women’s toilets the sign may say – Ladies, Women, Fillies (female horse). Any number of words related to gender may be used in different places. The action of going to the toilet may be – going for number 1s, going for number 2s, of to loose some weight, off to point percy at the porcelain, going for a wiz or tinkle; any number of slightly rude but humorous phrases may be used. Toilet humour is recognised part of Australian humour and just is often used to describe this basic human function. Whatever is said, don’t take it the wrong way or think it deliberately rude. Tomato sauce : the "correct" name for ketchup or catsup. Rhyming slang dead horse means tomato sauce. Tomato sauces : the horses or the horse races. Toodle-oo, Toole-pip : goodbye, I am just off now. Too right : an affirmation or agreement. Definitely! Toot : toilet Top End : the northern part of the Northern Territory. Top Ender : a Resident of the Northern Territory. Torch : a flashlight or hand held battery powered illumination device. Totally nackered : absolutely exhausted or very tired. Track, the : the Alice Springs to Darwin Highway. Trackies : tracksuit Trackie daks/dacks : tracksuit pants Tracksuit : sweatshirt and sweatpants, sold as a complete set and often worn around the house when feeling lazy. Trannie : 1) transistor radio, 2) transmission or gearbox of a car, 3) a transvestite. Treadly : bicycle, bike Trolley : supermarket cart, luggage cart Troppo : crazy or insane. Not necessarily a mental disorder. A description of the way people can go crazy in the tropics. A tropical state of mind and being. Trouble and Strife : rhyming slang for wife. Strife means in trouble and all men are always in trouble with their wives. Trough lolly : the solid piece of perfumed disinfectant in a men's urinal Tuck Shop : school canteen or cafeteria or eatery Trucky, Truckie : a driver of large trucks. Normally a male but not so much these days. Also implies a blokey character. True blue : genuine, authentic, honest, Australian person or thing. Also implies pride. Patriotic Tucker : food Tuckerbag, tuckerbox : a bag or box for storing food. Originally used by outdoor workers, the present equivalent is the Esky. The tuckerbox has been immortalised in the song "Where the dog sat on the tucker box." Tuck Shop : school canteen or cafeteria or eatery Turps : short for Mineral Turpentine, also slang for strong alcohol liquor. Turps, hit the : go on a drinking binge Turn it up : stop what your saying or doing as its not right, your lying. Tweeds : trousers, pants Twit : a idiot or fool. Two up : a traditional Australian gambling game. Two coins, must be Pennies, are thrown in the air and callers bet on how they will land. Officially illegal except in licensed casinos, the game is tolerated on Anzac Day as it was a pastime for soldiers during the two World Wars. Tyke : small child, usually aged 3-6 years or so. Typo : commonly used in on-line conversation, describes bad typing skills or cover up poor smelling (*spelling  ) Tyre : tire, that round rubber thing that fits over the wheel of your car. U To top ▲ Ugg boot, uggs, uggies: a soft boot made from sheepskin with the fleece inside to provide a warm lining. Ugg is short for ugly boot. Umpie : umpire Underdacks : underpants, briefs or jocks. Underground mutton : rabbit. Mutton being the meat of sheep over one year of age. Undies : underpants, briefs or jocks. Uni : university, college, institute Unit : flat, apartment Up a gum tree : confused, in a quandary about a problem. Up north : Queensland according to New South Wales, which is up north according to Victoria. Up oneself : have a high opinion of oneself - "he's really up himself" Up somebody, get : to rebuke somebody - "the boss got up me for being late" Up the Duff : pregnant Up yourself : having a large ego. Useful as an ashtray on a motorbike : unhelpful or incompetent person or thing Useful as tits on a bull : unhelpful or incompetent person or thing - "he, she or it is about as useful as tits on a bull". Ute : utility vehicle, invented in Australia. US = pickup truck. V To top ▲ VB : Victoria Bitter, a brand of bitter beer. Called Greenie or VB, be sure to call it VB in Queensland as they need to spell there beer names to understand them. See also XXXX. Vedgies : vegetables Vee dub : a Volkswagen car. Short for V Double U (VW). Vegemite : a savoury spread, made from an extract of brewers yeast. Found in almost every Aussie kitchen, but a seldom acquired taste for non-Australians. Is a little salty in taste and is mostly used on toast (cooked bread slices) or sandwiches with butter or margarine, must be spread thin which most non-Australian do not realise when first trying it. Many non-Australians think it is eaten like a jam and use large quantities first time and never try it again due to the intensity of the flavour. Salty flavours are very common in foods from warm climate areas. Veggies : vegetables Veg out : relax Veg out : to relax and think of nothing, veg in front of the TV (like a vegetable) Veggie, veggo : vegetarian Vinnie's : St. Vincent De Paul's (charity thrift stores and hostels) or the home of any person named Vincent. W To top ▲ WACA (pron. whacker) : Western Australian Cricket Association and the Perth cricket ground Waffle : nonsense Wag : skip school (truancy in USA) Waggin' school : playing truant, skipping school. Walkabout : go for a long walk that lasts for an indefinite amount of time, Aboriginals used this period for spiritual enlightenment. Walkabout, it's gone : it's lost, can't be found Wallop : to thrash in a fight. Waltzing Matilda : to walk or wander aimlessly in the bush or country. See Matilda. Immortalised in the song "Waltzing Matilda", the unofficial Australian National Anthem and better that the real one if less nationalistic. Waterhole : a pub or hotel. Wank : masterbate Wanker : man that's really stupid but thinks he's the greatest. See wank. Waterhole, watering hole : see pub Wattle Seed : certain Acacia seeds dry roasted and ground to enhance their natural nutty, coffee-like flavour. Wax-head : surfer or skeg. Weatherboard : the type of house construction whereby the outer covering is a series of overlapping wooden planks nailed to the outside of the frames. Wear your Sunday best : dress in your best clothes Wedges : spiced chips cut in large wedges Weekend warrior : army reservist, someone who plays at solders on the weekends. Weetbix : wholegrain breakfast biscuits Wellies : Wellington boots, gumboots. Knee-high boots worn to keep your feet dry. Westralia : Western Australia Whack : to place unceremoniously, to attempt, or to hit. Whacker, whacka : Idiot; somebody who talks drivel; somebody with whom you have little patience; a dickhead Wharfie : a dockside worker, longshoreman What for : severe punishment, as in "to give what for". Whinge, winge : to whine or complain incessantly. Whinger : a person who whinges a lot. Whip up : to create or make very quickly and seemly without effort. White pointers : topless (female) sunbathers Whiteant (verb) : to criticise something to deter somebody from buying it. A car dealer might whiteant another dealer's cars or a real estate salesman might whiteant another agent's property White ants : termites (not really ants at all), small insects that eat wood and timber. White or black? : referring to tea and coffee, as to whether is it required with or without milk. Wicket : referring to the playing field of life and business. You can be on a good wicket, privileged or advantaged, or on a bad wicket, disadvantaged. Willy nilly : without thought or organisation. Willy willy : a small whirlwind or dust devil. Windscreen : windshield, front window of a vehicle Winge : Complain whiningly Winger : person who complains constantly (whinge) Witchetty grub : white tree boring grubs. Eaten raw or cooked by Aborigines. They are very nutritious with an oily, nutty flavour and a good source of calcium and iron. It's an acquired taste. Wobbly : excitable behaviour ("I complained about the food and the waiter threw a wobbly") Wobbly boot on, he's got the : drunk Wog : flu or trivial illness Wog : person of Mediterranean origin. A milder insult than the same word in the UK and perhaps elsewhere. Wombat : somebody who eats, roots and leaves (see also root) Wonky : unstable or in a bad condition that adversely affects performance. Woofer : a dog, free farm labourer (“Workers On Organic Farms” scheme, travellers work for rent and food while travelling around Australia) Woolies : knitted woollen clothing. Also Woolworths Supermarket Woop woop : a unidentifiable (mythical?) place inland a long, long way away and far from civilization, invented name for any small unimportant town Wowser : straight-laced person, prude, puritan, spoilsport, person of extreme religious convictions. Wrapped : extremely happy Wrinklies : senior citizens Wuss : coward; nervous person or animal X To top ▲ XXXX : famous but undrinkable Queensland brand of beer, pronounced "4x" NOT "XXXX" (because XXXX is to hard to spell, see also VB :-p~ ) Y To top ▲ Yabber : to talk too much Yabby : a small freshwater lobster/crayfish (Cherax destructor) Yack : talk, as in get together for a yack. Yahoo : sound made in celebration, internet search engine, an uncouth person lacking in manners Yakka : hard manual labour. Possibly an Aboriginal word. Yank : person from the USA Yank tank : A large American car. Yarn : a story, usually long, intriguing and entertaining, either fictional or not. Yarn, to : to have a talk or discussion with someone. Yer : your Yewy : u-turn in traffic ("chuck a yewy at the next traffic lights") Yobbo : an uncouth person. See also Yahoo. Yonks : a long time, ages. You are a galah : loud, rudely behaved person. You dirty grub : dirty eater or dirty child. You little beauty, that's beaut, you bewdy : excited approval, something has gone really well. Your shout : your turn to buy the drinks Z To top ▲ Zack : a Sixpence. Pre decimal currency used before Feb 1966. The term is still used today, but to indicate that someone is broke - "it isn't worth a zack", "he hasn't got a zack", "I haven't got a zack". Zebra crossing : a pedestrian crossing where the road is painted with white stripes on the black bitumen. Zed : the Australian and British pronunciation, and therefor "correct" pronunciation, of the letter Z. US = Zee because they have no idea how to speak. Zeds : to do with sleep, as pushing up zeds. Zonked : exhausted The End -I hope -