BYO
phrase · casual
Bring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party.
How Aussies use it
- It's a BYO restaurant, so grab a bottle of wine.
- The party is BYO drinks.
How to pronounce ‘BYO’
Say it like this: BEE-WHY-OH
‘BYO’ in a conversation
Nick: Is the Thai place BYO?
Hana: Yep, BYO wine. There's a small corkage fee.
Good to know
Some BYO restaurants charge a small 'corkage' fee per bottle.
A common mistake
BYO at a restaurant can come with a corkage fee (a charge for opening and serving your bottle). Check before you go.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use bring your own drinks instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Quick check
What does ‘BYO’ mean?
- Bring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party.
- Eager, interested, wanting to do something.
- Devastated, very disappointed.
Show the answer
A. Bring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'BYO' mean in Australia?
Bring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party. Some BYO restaurants charge a small 'corkage' fee per bottle.
Can I say 'BYO' at work?
Yes. 'BYO' is fine in most workplaces, in conversation and casual messages. In formal emails, reports and English tests, use more standard English.
How do you pronounce 'BYO'?
Say it like this: BEE-WHY-OH. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.