Aussie Terms You Want to Know

Depending on where you're coming from many people don't experience as strong a 'culture shock' when travelling to Australia as they do in other destinations However, there is still a variety of terms and words that will be unfamiliar to the foreign ear. It's always helpful to have some inkling of what these terms mean, so here are some of the more original and most commonly used terms to help you on your way.

Barbie - A popular term that refers to a Barbeque or BBQ

Bloke - Refers to a Man or Male

Brekkie - This term refers to Breakfast

Bottle shop - To us, the Bottle Shop is known as the Cold, Beer, and Wine, or Liquor Store

BYO - There are various licensed restaurants where you will see this, and it is permission to bring and drink alcohol you have purchased at another location

Chemists - This simply refers to a Pharmacy or Drugstore and is where you would go should you need medication of any kind

Eftpos - This popular payment method refers to Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale

Queries - This word is often used in Australia and is simply another word for questions. If you hear someone ask if you have any queries they are really asking if you have any questions. You'll also see this on signs within businesses.

G'day - This is the term for the traditional Australian Greeting

Good on ya - Simply put this term means 'well-done'

Grog - This is a general term used for alcoholic drinks within Australia

Jumper - Refers to a Sweater or Pull-Over top

Knackered - A common term used in reference to being tired

Lollie Shop - A Lollie Shop is a Candy Shop. This is where you will visit to get your sweet fix, and comes with a large assortment of various candies to choose from

Mate - This a general term of familiarity used in Australia. You don't necessary have to know the person in order to use it

Middy - 285ml glass of Beer

Milk bar - This is in reference to a small convenience store which sells Milk and other very basic supplies

Mobile Phone - Although, we also use the term Mobile Phone I have pointed this out merely for fact that Australia does not recognize the term Cell Phone. It is strictly Mobile Phone in Australia

Mozzies - The commonly used term for Mosquitoes

Pot- 285ml glass of Beer

Reckon! - This is usually used as a term of agreement such as "absolutely"

Schooner - Refers to a large glass of Beer

Sheila - Refers to a Woman or Female

Stubby - 375ml bottle of Beer

Ta - Simply Put, Ta is the shortened version of Thank you

Takeaway - In our Americanized version this simply means Take Out. If you do frequent a restaurant you will hear the term Takeaway rather than Take Out, and while most people will know what you mean if you revert back to your roots it's always helpful to use the term of the region

Tinny - 375ml can of Beer

Ute - This is slang for a pick-up truck or utility

Walkabout - Refers to a lengthy walk away from the city or the populated area

Whinge - Common term used in reference to complaining

References:

Lonely Planet, Australia

Lonely Planet, East Coast Australia