Even though the majority of people in Australia speak English, there are a few words that Aussies use that people in other areas of the world aren't familiar with. Some of them will be useful additions to your vocabulary, and some will just be fun to say. So without further adieu, here are a few Australian words that we should all start using:
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1. Barbie
You've probably heard the phrase "throw some shrimp on the barbie."Obviously, that isn't referring to the childhood doll. In Australia, people call a barbecue "the barbie."
2. Bathers
This word is used to describe a swimsuit. You have to admit that it's much cuter to say you're shopping for bathers than shopping for swim trunks.
3. Sickie
A sickie is what Australians consider a sick day. The next time you call out from work, you can try using this word to see if your boss understands what you're trying to tell them.
4. Grommet
A grommet is a young surfer. So if you visit Australia and see a group of young kids surfing the waves, you can consider them grommets. Then you'll sound like you fit right in.
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5. Mozzie
A mozzie is a mosquito. So the next time you're being attacked by the pesky bugs, you can ask your friends if they have any sprays to keep the mozzies away.
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6. Arvo
Arvo is the afternoon. So the next time you want to make plans with your boyfriend, you can ask him if he wants to hang out in the arvo.
7. Exy
Exy means that something is expensive. So if you're at the mall complaining about the high prices, but don't want anyone to judge you for being broke, you can use the word "exy" instead of "expensive," so you at least sound cultured.
8. Furphy
A furphy is a rumor. If you ever hear someone spreading lies about you, walk right up to them and use this word to confront them. When you see how flustered and embarrassed they look, it'll be a form of payback.
9. Rooted
Rooted means ruined. So the next time you mess up a recipe or snap your jewelry, you can use this word to describe your predicament.
10. Brolly
A brolly is an umbrella. It's just about the cutest way to describe something as mundane as an umbrella, don't you think?
11. Chewie
This word is used to reference gum. After all, gum is something chewy that you can spend hours chewing, so it makes perfect sense.
12. Dummy
A dummy is a pacifier. So if you're not a big fan of your new baby sister, you can give the dummie a dummy to make her stop crying.
13. Flanno
This is a slang word for flannel. However, depending on what your accent sounds like, the two words can sound pretty much identical.
14. Kip
A kip is a nap. So instead of admitting that you're sleepy enough for a nap, you can tell everyone that you're planning on going for a kip. That way, they won't know exactly what you're talking about.
15. Lippie
This word may sound familiar to you, because you've probably seen a few makeup products called lippies. That's because, in Australia, lipstick is commonly called a lippie.
These words will make adorable additions to your vocabulary. What other Australian words have you heard?
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Comments
hailey-Emma: 😂 I don't think the author has ever been to Australia. Also, slang varies from state to state, my Queenslander friend went to Melbourne and no one understood what she meant when she said 'togs', which are what this article refers to as 'bathers
ZeldaMDesigns: We call them prawns not shrimp 😏
Alliethomas: Rooted has another meaning
Winnie: I've never heard the words furphy or kip before and I'm from Queensland. Also we say 'togs' more often than anyone says 'bathers'
Veronica: Oh and mate lol
Bella: laughing bc we literally never use most of these and rooted means to have done it with someone
Cozby: Wow these words are amazing
Faye-Julia: I'm British, we use a lot of these over here :) Although chewie is a cute one, I have to slip that into my vocabulary me thinks! :3
Jacqueline: I'm confused! These are Scottish words. Although makes sense, most Australians decended from Scots
Gabby: I'm from WA and I say 'bathers'...
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