Aussie Slang Dictionary: Australian Words & Meanings A–Z

The everyday words Australians actually use, explained in plain English, with examples you can listen to.

Updated 2026-10-12

A

B

  • barbieA barbecue, either the grill itself or a social event where food is cooked outdoors.
  • bikkieA biscuit (what Americans call a cookie).
  • bottle-oA bottle shop, the shop that sells alcohol.
  • brekkieBreakfast.
  • bring a plateBring some food to share with everyone. It does not mean bring an empty plate!
  • brollyAn umbrella.
  • BYOBring your own. Usually means you can bring your own drinks to a restaurant or party.

C

  • chockersCompletely full, very crowded.
  • chookA chicken.
  • crookSick or unwell. Can also mean broken or not working well.
  • cuppaA cup of tea or coffee.

D

  • dagSomeone a bit uncool, silly or unfashionable, usually said with affection.
  • deadsetTruly, seriously, honestly.
  • devoDevastated, very disappointed.
  • doonaA duvet or quilt for your bed.
  • dunnyA toilet, especially an old outdoor one.

E

  • eskyA portable cooler box for keeping food and drinks cold.

F

  • fair dinkumGenuine, honest, true. Also used as a question meaning 'really?'.
  • flat outVery busy, or going as fast as possible.
  • footyFootball. In Victoria, SA, WA and Tasmania this usually means Australian Rules (AFL). In NSW and Queensland it usually means rugby league.
  • fortnightTwo weeks.

G

H

K

  • keenEager, interested, wanting to do something.
  • knackeredVery tired, exhausted.

L

M

  • MaccasMcDonald's.
  • mateFriend; also a friendly way to address almost anyone.
  • mozzieA mosquito.
  • my shoutI'll pay for this round of drinks or food.

N

  • no worriesNo problem; you're welcome; it's okay.

R

  • reckonThink, believe, suppose.
  • regoVehicle registration.
  • relliesRelatives, family members.
  • ripperExcellent, fantastic.

S

T

  • taThanks.
  • thongsFlip-flops, rubber sandals.
  • too easyNo problem, that's simple, consider it done.
  • trackiesTracksuit pants, sweatpants.
  • tradieA tradesperson, such as a plumber, electrician or builder.
  • true blueGenuinely Australian; loyal and honest.

U

  • uniUniversity.
  • uteA utility vehicle, a car with an open tray at the back (a pickup).

W

  • Woop WoopA very remote, faraway place in the middle of nowhere.

We keep this dictionary friendly. We've left out rude and offensive slang, and we note when a word is old-fashioned or best avoided at work.