servo
noun · casual
A service station, petrol station.
How Aussies use it
- I need to stop at the servo for petrol.
- The servo sells milk and bread too.
How to pronounce ‘servo’
Say it like this: SER-voh
‘servo’ in a conversation
Driver: We need fuel. Is there a servo nearby?
Passenger: There's one 5 km up the highway.
Good to know
Another word shortened with -o, like bottle-o and arvo.
A common mistake
Australians rarely say 'gas station'. Fuel is 'petrol' and the place is a 'servo' or 'service station'.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use petrol station instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Quick check
What does ‘servo’ mean?
- A biscuit (what Americans call a cookie).
- A service station, petrol station.
- Thanks.
Show the answer
B. A service station, petrol station.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'servo' mean in Australia?
A service station, petrol station. Another word shortened with -o, like bottle-o and arvo.
Can I say 'servo' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'servo' 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 'servo'?
Say it like this: SER-voh. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.