cossie
noun · casual
A swimsuit.
How Aussies use it
- Don't forget your cossie and a towel.
- The kids changed into their cossies at the pool.
How to pronounce ‘cossie’
Say it like this: KOZ-ee
‘cossie’ in a conversation
Mia: Are we going to the beach after school?
Dad: Yep, pack your cossie and your sunnies.
Good to know
Australians have several words for a swimsuit, and the one you hear depends on where you are. 'Cossie' (also spelled 'cozzie') is especially common in New South Wales; elsewhere you'll often hear 'togs' or 'bathers'.
Where you'll hear ‘cossie’
You'll hear 'cossie' at beaches, pools and swimming lessons, and when families pack for a summer day out. It's especially common in New South Wales, while other places often say 'togs' or 'bathers'.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone says 'Bring your cossie', they mean pack your swimsuit. You can use any of the swimsuit words, and Australians from other states will still understand you.
More examples
- I left my cossie drying on the balcony.
- Pack a cossie, a towel and some sunscreen.
- She bought a new cossie for the holiday.
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
A common mistake
It's short for 'swimming costume'. It's not a 'costume' for a party.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use swimsuit 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?
We're going to the pool, so grab your ___ and a towel.
Show the answer
cossie
Quick check
What does ‘cossie’ mean?
- A swimsuit.
- Devastated, very disappointed.
- Two weeks.
Show the answer
A. A swimsuit.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'cossie' mean in Australia?
A swimsuit. Australians have several words for a swimsuit, and the one you hear depends on where you are. 'Cossie' (also spelled 'cozzie') is especially common in New South Wales; elsewhere you'll often hear 'togs' or 'bathers'.
Can I say 'cossie' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'cossie' 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 'cossie'?
Say it like this: KOZ-ee. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'cossie'?
You'll hear 'cossie' at beaches, pools and swimming lessons, and when families pack for a summer day out. It's especially common in New South Wales, while other places often say 'togs' or 'bathers'.