What are some common Australian words and phrases?

Australia is rich with unique phrases and vocabulary that can seem bewildering to those unfamiliar with its quirks. Here are some common words and phrases that are distinctly Australian:

1. Arvo: Afternoon. “See you this arvo” means “See you in the afternoon”[1][2][4][9].
2. Barbie: Barbecue. A common term for a grill or outdoor cooking setup[1][2][4].
3. Bikkie: Biscuit, often referring to what Americans would call a cookie[6].
4. Bottle-o: Liquor store. A place where alcohol is sold[2][4].
5. Brekky: Breakfast. A shortened form of the first meal of the day[11].
6. Capsicum: Bell pepper. This term is used instead of the American “bell pepper” or the British “green/red pepper”[3].
7. Chook: Chicken. Commonly used to refer to both the animal and the food[2].
8. Esky: An insulated container used to keep things cold, similar to what Americans might call a cooler[2][6].
9. Footy: Depending on the context, it can refer to Australian Rules Football or rugby[3][6].
10. G’day: A greeting, equivalent to “Hello”[2][4].
11. Mozzie: Mosquito. A casual term for the often pesky insect[6].
12. No worries: Used to express that something is no problem or to reassure someone[2][12].
13. Sanger: Sandwich. A casual term for a sandwich[4].
14. Thongs: Flip flops. Casual footwear, not to be confused with the American usage of the term, which refers to a type of underwear[4].
15. Ute: A utility vehicle or pickup truck. A term for a certain type of car designed for practical use[3].
16. Whinge: To complain or grumble. Often used to describe someone who is complaining unnecessarily[2].
17. Bogan: An Australian term that describes a person who is perceived as unsophisticated or of lower socio-economic status[11].
18. Smoko: A break from work to smoke a cigarette, though it can refer to coffee or tea breaks as well[6].
19. Stickybeak: To be nosy or overly curious about others’ affairs[6].
20. Trackies: Tracksuit pants. Casual, comfortable clothing typically worn at home or for exercise[6].

These terms reflect the informal and often humorous nature of Australian slang, which plays a significant role in everyday communication across the country.

Further reading:

[1] https://belsmalta.com/blogs/australian-english-words/
[2] https://ielts.com.au/australia/prepare/article-australian-slang-words-phrases
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_English_vocabulary
[4] http://nomadsworld.com/aussie-slang/
[5] https://preply.com/en/blog/50-popular-australian-slang-words-and-phrases/
[6] https://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/aussie-slang.pdf
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrc8MAWVp1w
[8] https://promova.com/blog/guide-to-aussie-slang
[9] https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-tours/traveller-stories/20-aussie-slang-phrases-you-need-to-know/
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CowGgp-A4mY
[11] https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/2019/08/03/australian-english-words-and-phrases-americans-just-dont-get/1892061001/
[12] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/australian-slang-phrases/index.html
[13] https://www.ef-australia.com.au/english-resources/english-vocabulary/top-3000-words/
[14] https://www.csu.edu.au/current-students/support/international-students/english-language-support/aussie-slang-words-and-phrases