A Guide to Basic Australian Slang

“Chuck a U-ey - When you're driving and suddenly need to make a U-turn, you ‘chuck a U-ey.’ It's as simple as that. Just be sure to check for kangaroos before you swing around…” – Etiquipedia Site Editor’s note: It’s similar to the American “Hang a U-ey.” We don’t have the kangaroos, though!

A DINKUM GUIDE TO AUSSIE “SLANGUAGE”

G'day mates! If you've ever found yourself down under and felt like you were speaking a different language, fear not! You've just stumbled upon the land of Aussie slang, where the lingo (language) is as unique as the wildlife (kangaroos and koalas). So, chuck on your thongs, grab a cold stubby, and let's dive into the dinkum world of Australian slang. 

• G'day, Mate! - The quintessential Aussie greeting, "G'day" is short for "good day." It's a laid-back way to say hello, whether you're meeting a friend or just passing by. And "mate"? Well, that's your buddy, your pal, your cobber. Aussies throw it around like confetti.
• Fair Dinkum - If something is fair dinkum, it's genuine, real, and true. Aussies use it to vouch for the authenticity of a statement or to express disbelief. "You caught a fish this big? Fair dinkum?" 
• Arvo - We love to shorten words. Afternoon becomes "arvo." So, if someone asks to catch up in the arvo, it means they're suggesting a meet-up later in the day. 
• Thongs - No, not the underwear. In Australia, thongs are flip-flops. So, if someone tells you to put on your thongs before hitting the beach, they're not getting too personal—they just want you to be comfortable! 
• Chuck a U-ey - When you're driving and suddenly need to make a U-turn, you "chuck a U-ey." It's as simple as that. Just be sure to check for kangaroos before you swing around! 
• Barbie - No, not the doll. Aussies love to throw a prawn (shrimp) or snag (sausage) on the barbie (barbecue). It's practically a national pastime. So, if someone invites you to a barbie, expect farm fresh food, good company, and maybe a cold beverage or two. 
• Stubby - Speaking of beverages, a stubby is a small bottle of beer. Whether you're enjoying it on a scorching arvo or at a ripper party, a stubby is a quintessential Aussie refreshment. 
• There you have it—a crash course in fair dinkum Aussie slang. When someone asks if you're keen for a chinwag (small talk) over a cuppa (coffee or tea) or a cold one (beer), you'll be ready to join the ranks of true blue Aussies. Cheers, mate!

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth is currently traveling throughout India and brushing up on her Hindi. 

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor or the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia