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Lost in Translation: Hilarious Australian Slang That Will Leave You Chuckling

Updated: Jun 8, 2023

G'day, mate! Welcome to the land Down Under, where the sun shines bright, the kangaroos hop freely, and the slang will have you scratching your head in bewilderment. Australian slang is like a whole other language, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and leave you in stitches. In this side-splitting blog post, we're diving into the wonderfully weird and wacky world of Australian slang. Fair dinkum, you'll be rolling on the floor laughing and wondering if Aussies have invented their own dictionary!


Want to know how to understand Australians? Learn these everyday slang words to help you understand Australians when they speak English!


  • "G'day, mate!" - The Ultimate Aussie Greeting: Let's start with the quintessential Australian greeting: "G'day, mate!" It's like a secret handshake among Aussies. Forget the boring "hello" or "hi." Aussies like to keep it casual, and "G'day, mate!" is the go-to way to say "hello" with a dash of Aussie flair. Just don't be surprised if you're greeted with a big grin and a cheeky response like "How ya goin', ya legend?"

  • "No worries, she'll be right": Australians have a unique way of shrugging off problems and keeping things relaxed. When faced with a challenge, they simply say, "No worries, she'll be right!" It's their laid-back attitude in a nutshell. Whether it's a minor inconvenience or a major hiccup, this phrase encapsulates the Aussie spirit of taking life as it comes and not sweating the small stuff.

  • "Chuck a sickie": Ever felt the sudden urge to play hooky from work or school? Well, in Australia, they've got a term for it: "chuck a sickie." It means taking a day off pretending to be sick, even if you're perfectly healthy. Don't worry, though—this lighthearted Aussie tradition is all in good fun. Just remember to perfect your best cough and sniffle routine!

  • "Arvo" and "Brekkie": If you're planning to catch up with your Aussie mates, don't be surprised if they invite you for brekkie or meet you in the arvo. "Brekkie" is breakfast, and "arvo" is afternoon. Aussies love to abbreviate everything, making their language even more entertaining. So, join them for a brekkie feast and enjoy a good laugh over some Vegemite toast.

  • "Flat out like a lizard drinking": When an Aussie tells you they're "flat out like a lizard drinking," it means they're extremely busy or working at full speed. Picture a lizard lapping up water with lightning speed, and you'll get the idea. It's an amusing way to describe a hectic day or a jam-packed schedule. Just make sure to keep up, or you might be left behind!

Fair dinkum, mate! You're hungry for more Aussie slang? No worries, we've got you covered. Here are a few more rib-tickling and uniquely Australian expressions to keep you chuckling:

  • "Sick as a parrot": If someone tells you they're "sick as a parrot," it doesn't mean they've caught a bird flu. It's actually Aussie slang for feeling extremely disappointed or devastated about something. So, if your favorite footy team loses a crucial match, you can exclaim, "I'm as sick as a parrot!"

  • "Strewth!": "Strewth!" is an exclamation of surprise or astonishment. It's the Aussie equivalent of saying "Wow!" or "Oh my goodness!" So, when you witness something remarkable or unexpected, let out a hearty "Strewth!" to blend in with the locals.

  • "Bogan": In Australian slang, a "bogan" refers to someone who embodies the stereotypical, rough-around-the-edges Aussie persona. They might wear flannel shirts, rock mullet hairstyles, and have a fondness for VB (Victoria Bitter) beer. Embrace your inner bogan and let your true Aussie spirit shine!

  • "Ripper": When something is "ripper," it means it's excellent, fantastic, or really great. It's the Aussie way of expressing sheer enthusiasm and admiration. So, if your Aussie mate cooks up a delicious barbie or you experience an amazing surfing session, give a thumbs-up and declare, "That's a ripper!"

  • "Chockers": If a place or event is "chockers," it means it's extremely crowded or packed to the brim. Picture a venue bursting at the seams with people, and you'll understand the meaning of this quirky Aussie term. So, if someone invites you to a party and warns you it'll be chockers, be prepared for a wild time!

Now that you're armed with some more Aussie slang, you'll fit right in with the locals and have a ripper time down under. From exclaiming "Strewth!" to embracing your inner bogan, Australian slang adds a whole lot of fun and character to your conversations. So, go ahead and immerse yourself in the linguistic wonders of the land Down Under. Remember, Aussie slang is all about having a good laugh and enjoying the unique quirks of Australian culture. Cheers, mate!

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