parma
noun · casual
A chicken parmigiana: crumbed chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese, usually served with chips and salad.
How Aussies use it
- I'll have the parma and a lemon squash, thanks.
- Thursday is parma night at our local pub.
How to pronounce ‘parma’
Say it like this: PAR-muh
‘parma’ in a conversation
Ben: What are you getting?
Lucy: The parma, for sure. It's the best one in town.
Good to know
A pub classic all over Australia. People argue happily about the name: many say 'parma' (common in Victoria), others say 'parmi' (common in New South Wales).
Where you'll hear ‘parma’
You'll hear 'parma' (or 'parmi') in pubs, at clubs and when friends plan dinner. Many pubs have a weekly parma night, and people love to debate which pub makes the best one.
How to reply or use it yourself
If a friend asks 'Parma or steak?', they're asking what you'll order. You can say 'Parma, please!' and you'll fit right in.
More examples
- The parma at this pub is bigger than the plate.
- We meet for a parma after work every Thursday.
- Do you want ham on your parma?
🎧 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
On many menus you'll see the full name, 'chicken parmigiana' or 'chicken parmy'. All of them mean the same dish.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use chicken parmigiana 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'm starving. I'll order the ___ with chips and salad.
Show the answer
parma
Quick check
What does ‘parma’ mean?
- Very annoyed or disappointed.
- A chicken parmigiana: crumbed chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese, usually served with chips and salad.
- Excellent, fantastic.
Show the answer
B. A chicken parmigiana: crumbed chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese, usually served with chips and salad.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'parma' mean in Australia?
A chicken parmigiana: crumbed chicken with tomato sauce and melted cheese, usually served with chips and salad. A pub classic all over Australia. People argue happily about the name: many say 'parma' (common in Victoria), others say 'parmi' (common in New South Wales).
Can I say 'parma' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'parma' 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 'parma'?
Say it like this: PAR-muh. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'parma'?
You'll hear 'parma' (or 'parmi') in pubs, at clubs and when friends plan dinner. Many pubs have a weekly parma night, and people love to debate which pub makes the best one.