budgie smugglers
noun · casual
Tight men's swimming briefs.
How Aussies use it
- He wore his budgie smugglers to the beach.
- Board shorts or budgie smugglers?
How to pronounce ‘budgie smugglers’
Say it like this: BUJ-ee SMUG-lerz
‘budgie smugglers’ in a conversation
Mark: Are you swimming laps today?
Josh: Yep, I've got my goggles and my budgie smugglers.
Good to know
A funny, well-known Aussie name for a style of men's swimwear. Australians use it with a smile.
Where you'll hear ‘budgie smugglers’
You'll hear 'budgie smugglers' at the beach, at swimming pools and in jokes about summer. It's a famous Aussie nickname for tight men's swimming briefs, and people usually say it with a laugh.
How to reply or use it yourself
If a friend jokes about your budgie smugglers, just laugh and say 'They're great for swimming!' Use the term in casual chats, and say 'swim briefs' in a shop.
More examples
- The lifesavers were wearing budgie smugglers and bright caps.
- Dad still wears his old budgie smugglers to the beach.
- Board shorts are more popular than budgie smugglers at our pool.
A common mistake
It's a joke name. In a shop, look for 'swim briefs'.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use men's swimming briefs 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?
He packed his towel, goggles and ___ ___ for the swim.
Show the answer
budgie smugglers
Quick check
What does ‘budgie smugglers’ mean?
- To take a day off work saying you're sick when you're not.
- A toilet, especially an old outdoor one.
- Tight men's swimming briefs.
Show the answer
C. Tight men's swimming briefs.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'budgie smugglers' mean in Australia?
Tight men's swimming briefs. A funny, well-known Aussie name for a style of men's swimwear. Australians use it with a smile.
Can I say 'budgie smugglers' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'budgie smugglers' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'budgie smugglers'?
Say it like this: BUJ-ee SMUG-lerz. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'budgie smugglers'?
You'll hear 'budgie smugglers' at the beach, at swimming pools and in jokes about summer. It's a famous Aussie nickname for tight men's swimming briefs, and people usually say it with a laugh.