doco
noun · casual
A documentary.
How Aussies use it
- We watched a great doco about the Great Barrier Reef.
- There's a new doco on the ABC tonight.
How to pronounce ‘doco’
Say it like this: DOK-oh
‘doco’ in a conversation
Sam: What are you watching?
Lily: A doco about sharks. It's really interesting.
Good to know
Another word with the Aussie -o ending, like 'arvo', 'servo' and 'bottle-o'.
Where you'll hear ‘doco’
You'll hear 'doco' when people talk about TV and streaming, especially shows about nature, history, sport or true stories. Film festivals and reviewers use it too.
How to reply or use it yourself
If a friend says 'Have you seen that doco?', they're asking about a documentary. You can reply 'No, what's it about?' or recommend one you liked.
More examples
- Did you see the doco about the outback last night?
- She made a short doco for her uni project.
- That doco made me want to visit Tasmania.
🎧 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 means a documentary, a true film about real life, not a 'doctor' (that's 'doc').
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use documentary 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?
I learnt so much from that ___ about whales.
Show the answer
doco
Quick check
What does ‘doco’ mean?
- A documentary.
- A person who drives fast and dangerously or behaves loudly.
- A firefighter.
Show the answer
A. A documentary.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'doco' mean in Australia?
A documentary. Another word with the Aussie -o ending, like 'arvo', 'servo' and 'bottle-o'.
Can I say 'doco' at work?
Yes. 'doco' 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 'doco'?
Say it like this: DOK-oh. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'doco'?
You'll hear 'doco' when people talk about TV and streaming, especially shows about nature, history, sport or true stories. Film festivals and reviewers use it too.
More Aussie words
Test yourself with the slang quiz