As native strine speakers, Australians never realised how different English is to the American or English dialects... Some of our phrases fascinate or bamboozle the Yanks or English but generally the English seem more au fait with the phrases used.

How to say hello

"G'day!" is the old Australian favourite. It means "good day" and is only used informally. These days, however, you are more likely to be greeted with "hi!" or"hello!" or even the execrable"Yo!". "Good morning/afternoon/evening" is used formally, just like it is in other English speaking countries."Goodbye" is said much like in other English speaking places, "bye", or more formally goodbye/goodnight.

Aussie abbreviations

Australians tend to shorten many words. Take Australian, for example. It takes too long to say you see, so it gets abbreviated to Aussie, Barbeque becomes barbie (not the doll). Football = footy (and the t turns into a d sound half the time). Never call us consistent, because Mr Johnson will most likely be Johnno if he is considered a good bloke. We are also more likely to have a smoko instead of a tea break (even if we don't smoke) whilst drinking a cuppa (coffee).

To use, just click on any letter below and it will take you to a page chock 'o block with words and/or phrases that begin with that letter. Some examples of usage, and an American or British synonym (if there is one) is provided.

If you need more information, talk to an Aussie or consult The Macquarie Dictionary.

A-C   D-L   M-S  T-Z

A

A few tinnies short of a slab, a few sangies short of a picnic, or a few snags short of a barbie: not all there; can also mean slow-witted or lacking intelligence. Americanese: a few cards short of a deck.

Aces: Great, the best. ex: she's aces!

Amber fluid: Beer.

Ankle biter: small child or toddler, tyke.

Aussie salute: waving flies away from one's face.

Away with the pixies: In another world, daydreaming.

B

Banger: a sausage.

Barrack (FOR): to cheer for in a boisterous manner (usually a sports team). Important note: do not substitute the word "root" for barrack as this is an epithet for sexual intercourse. Therefore, you can imagine the conclusions to which people might jump if you said something like, "I root for the Tigers".

Beaut/beauty!: Expression of approval.

Beg yours?: could you please repeat that?

Berko: crazy or extremely angry. ex: "he went berko!"

Bingle: minor car crash. Americanese: fender-bender.

Bite your bum: go away! or be quiet!

Blind: extremely drunk.

Bloke: Average fellow. Americanese: guy

Bloody: known as the great Australian adjective.

Bludge: to live by the means of someone else; mooch.

Bludger: one who bludges.

Bob's your uncle: everything's okay; everything's fine.

Bogan: one who lacks fashion sense. Bogan attire is generally, but not limited to: fleecy-lined track suit pants or excessively tight jeans, moccasins or ugg boots, a heavy-metal t-shirt, flannel shirt, and footy beanie with matching scarf. You can spot a bogan at train stations, loitering at milk bars, and in any footy crowd.

Boofhead: can mean both a foolish person or someone with big hair.

Booze bus: This is not a ride you want to be on! a booze bus is a police vehicle equipped with a breath analyzer test for suspected drunk (drink) drivers. Americanese: the b.a.t. mobile

Buckley's: no chance. commonly heard: you've got two chances: buckley's and none.

Bugger: another of the great Australian adjectives. has many meaning depending on the context. ex: bugger!=damn! or bugger all=nothing. ex: "I can see bugger all without my glasses." 'Bugger off!=go away!"

Bum: bottom, rear end.

Burl: a try. ex: "I'll give it a burl." Americanese: whirl.

C

Cadbury's girl: one who becomes intoxicated after a glass and a half of beer. this phrase takes meaning from the Cadbury chocolate that touts a glass and a half of milk in every chocolate bar.

C'arn!: abbreviation of come on. can be heard at any Aussie sporting event.

Cadge: mooch or sponge. see bludge.

Camp as a row of tents: an expression describing a very feminine male homosexual.

Capsicum: a bell pepper.

Car park: a parking lot.

Charge like a wounded bull: set excessively high prices.

Cheap drunk: someone with a low tolerance for alcohol; someone who becomes easily intoxicated; see two pot screamer.

Chips: french fries.

Chock a block/chokkers: completely full.

Chook: a chicken.

Chuck: to throw. Also used in the context of vomiting. ex: "Had a good chuck"

Chuck a wobbly: throw a fit.

Chunder: vomit

Cluey: intelligent, smart.

Cobber: friend.

Coldie: a beer.

Coo-ee!: way of getting someone's attention, or a greeting.

Crap-on: to talk excessively; usually implies embellishment.

Crisps: potato chips

Cuppa: cup of tea or coffee.