What does ‘barrack for’ mean?

How do Aussies use ‘barrack for’?

• Who do you barrack for in the footy? Hear it
• I've barracked for the same team since I was a kid. Hear it

How to pronounce ‘barrack for’

Say it like this: BA-ruk for Hear it

‘barrack for’ in a conversation

What else should you know about ‘barrack for’?

A very common question in Australia, especially about AFL. In British English, 'barrack' means to shout at or jeer at someone, so the Aussie meaning is the friendly one.

Where will you hear ‘barrack for’?

You'll hear 'barrack for' at work, at school and at barbies, especially during the footy season. 'Who do you barrack for?' is one of the most common small-talk questions in Melbourne and other AFL cities.

How do you reply or use ‘barrack for’ yourself?

If someone asks 'Who do you barrack for?', just name a team, or say 'I don't really follow the footy yet. Who should I barrack for?' People love helping a newcomer choose a team.

More examples

• Our whole family barracks for the same team. Hear it
• Which team are you barracking for in the final? Hear it
• I barrack for my home town's team, even when they lose. Hear it

🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.

What mistake do learners make with ‘barrack for’?

Say 'barrack for' a team, not 'barrack' a team. Without 'for', it can sound like you're shouting at them.

What can you say instead in formal English?

In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use support (a team) instead.

Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.

Fill the gap

Which word goes in the gap?

Who do you ___ ___ in the footy?

Quick check

What does ‘barrack for’ mean?

1. Something or someone excellent.
2. To support a sports team.
3. A chicken.

More Aussie words

• fair go
• footy
• have a go

Test yourself with the slang quiz