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Australian Slang Dictionary: Aussie Words & Meanings A–Z

Get ready before you land. These are the everyday words Australians actually use, explained in plain English, with examples you can listen to.

Updated 2026-10-17

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
K
L
M
N
R
S
T
U
W

A

arvoAfternoon.
avoAvocado.

B

barbieA barbecue, either the grill itself or a social event where food is cooked outdoors.
bikkieA biscuit (what Americans call a cookie).
bottle-oA bottle shop, the shop that sells alcohol.
brekkieBreakfast.
bring a plateBring some food to share with everyone. It does not mean bring an empty plate!
brollyAn umbrella.
BYOBring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party.

C

chockersCompletely full, very crowded.
chookA chicken.
crookSick or unwell. Can also mean broken or not working well.
cuppaA cup of tea or coffee.

D

dagSomeone a bit uncool, silly or unfashionable, usually said with affection.
deadsetTruly, seriously, honestly.
devoDevastated, very disappointed.
doonaA duvet or quilt for your bed.
dunnyA toilet, especially an old outdoor one.

E

eskyA portable cooler box for keeping food and drinks cold.

F

fair dinkumGenuine, honest, true. Also used as a question meaning 'really?'.
flat outVery busy, or going as fast as possible.
footyFootball. In Victoria, SA, WA and Tasmania this usually means Australian Rules (AFL). In NSW and Queensland it usually means rugby league.
fortnightTwo weeks.

G

g'dayHello, good day.

H

hard yakkaHard work, especially physical work.
heapsA lot, very much.
how ya goingHow are you? A friendly greeting.

K

keenEager, interested, wanting to do something.
knackeredVery tired, exhausted.

L

lolliesSweets, candy.

M

MaccasMcDonald's.
mateFriend; also a friendly way to address almost anyone.
mozzieA mosquito.
my shoutI'll pay for this round of drinks or food.

N

no worriesNo problem; you're welcome; it's okay.

R

reckonThink, believe, suppose.
regoVehicle registration.
relliesRelatives, family members.
ripperExcellent, fantastic.

S

sangerA sandwich.
servoA service station, petrol station.
she'll be rightIt'll be okay; don't worry about it.
smokoA short break at work, especially a morning tea break.
snagA sausage.
stokedVery happy, thrilled.
stubby holderA foam holder that keeps a can or bottle of drink cold.
sunniesSunglasses.

T

taThanks.
thongsFlip-flops, rubber sandals.
too easyNo problem, that's simple, consider it done.
trackiesTracksuit pants, sweatpants.
tradieA tradesperson, such as a plumber, electrician or builder.
true blueGenuinely Australian; loyal and honest.

U

uniUniversity.
uteA utility vehicle, a car with an open tray at the back (a pickup).

W

Woop WoopA very remote, faraway place in the middle of nowhere.

We keep this dictionary friendly. We've left out rude and offensive slang, and we note when a word is old-fashioned or best avoided at work.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Australian slang words?

Words like arvo (afternoon), brekkie (breakfast), mate, no worries, servo (petrol station), heaps (a lot) and how ya going (how are you).

What does 'how ya going' mean?

It means 'How are you?'. Answer with 'Good thanks, you?'. It's a greeting, not a question about travel.

Do Australians really use this slang?

Yes, especially in casual conversation, though people use more or less depending on the person and the situation.