pav
noun · casual
A pavlova: a big meringue dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit.
How Aussies use it
- Mum always makes a pav for Christmas.
- Who's bringing the pav to the barbie?
How to pronounce ‘pav’
Say it like this: PAV
‘pav’ in a conversation
Grace: What should I bring on Sunday?
Tom: Can you bring a pav? Everyone loves your pav.
Good to know
A favourite at Christmas and summer parties. Australians and New Zealanders have a friendly argument about who made it first.
Where you'll hear ‘pav’
You'll hear 'pav' at Christmas lunch, summer barbies and family parties, when people talk about who's making dessert. You'll also see it on café menus and in cooking shows.
How to reply or use it yourself
If someone asks 'Can you bring a pav?', they want you to bring a pavlova for dessert. You can buy a meringue base at the supermarket and add cream and fruit if you're short on time.
More examples
- We topped the pav with strawberries and passionfruit.
- The pav cracked, but it still tasted great.
- There's nothing left of the pav. Everyone loved it.
🎧 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
The full name is 'pavlova'. It's named after a famous Russian ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use pavlova 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?
For dessert, Nan made a big ___ with cream and berries.
Show the answer
pav
Quick check
What does ‘pav’ mean?
- Excellent, fantastic.
- A pavlova: a big meringue dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit.
- An electrician.
Show the answer
B. A pavlova: a big meringue dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'pav' mean in Australia?
A pavlova: a big meringue dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit. A favourite at Christmas and summer parties. Australians and New Zealanders have a friendly argument about who made it first.
Can I say 'pav' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'pav' 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 'pav'?
Say it like this: PAV. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'pav'?
You'll hear 'pav' at Christmas lunch, summer barbies and family parties, when people talk about who's making dessert. You'll also see it on café menus and in cooking shows.