G'day Mate! The Ultimate Aussie Slang Guide

True Blue Guide

G'day Mate!

Your go-to guide for deciphering the local lingo down under. No worries, we've got you covered!

Welcome to the Land of "She'll Be Right"!

Speak Like a True Blue Aussie

G'day and welcome! If you’ve ever touched down in Australia and felt like the locals were speaking an entirely different language, don’t panic—you’re not alone. Down here, we love nothing more than shortening words, throwing an "o" or an "ie" on the end of absolutely everything, and speaking at a speed that confuses even the most seasoned travelers.

Whether you're trying to order a feed, chat with the locals at the pub, or just want to avoid looking like a clueless tourist, this guide is your ultimate cheat sheet. Grab a cold one, pull up a tinny, and let's dive into some of the most iconic slang this great southern land has to offer!

The Aussie Slang Glossary

Here are 10 legendary Aussie words and phrases you need to master if you want to sound like a local.

Slang #1

Arvo

Definition Afternoon. Australians love to save breath, so "afternoon" gets chopped right in half.

Example

"Hey mate, are we still heading down to the beach this arvo?"

Slang #2

Barbie

Definition Barbecue. A social gathering involving an outdoor grill, cold drinks, and plenty of laughs. (And no, we don't throw "shrimp" on them—they're called prawns!).

Example

"Bring some snags and come over for a barbie on Sunday."

Slang #3

Fair Dinkum

Definition Honest, genuine, or completely true. Used to emphasize the absolute truth of a statement or to ask if someone is being serious.

Example

"Are you fair dinkum about moving to the outback, or are you just pulling my leg?"

Slang #4

Hard Yakka

Definition Hard work or intense physical labor.

Example

"Clearing out the back shed in forty-degree heat was some seriously hard yakka."

Slang #5

Ripper

Definition Fantastic, great, or absolutely awesome.

Example

"That was a ripper of a kick! What a game!"

Slang #6

She'll Be Right

Definition A classic Aussie expression meaning "everything will be fine" or "it will all work out." It perfectly captures the relaxed, easy-going attitude.

Example

"The car is making a bit of a weird noise, but she'll be right until we get to the next town."

Slang #7

Thongs

Definition Rubber flip-flops/sandals. Do not confuse this with undergarments when packing your beach bag!

Example

"Don't forget your thongs, the hot sand will absolutely scorch your feet."

Slang #8

Chook

Definition A chicken. Can refer to the live bird or a delicious hot roast dinner.

Example

"Let's grab a hot chook and some hot chips from the local shop for dinner."

Slang #9

Dunny

Definition The toilet or restroom. Historically referred to an outhouse, but still used widely today for any bathroom.

Example

"Excuse me mate, where’s the dunny? I’m absolutely bursting."

Slang #10

Strewth

Definition An exclamation of surprise, shock, or disbelief. Short for "God's truth."

Example

"Strewth! Did you see the size of that huntsman spider on the wall?!"

About This Site

Why Do We Exist?

This site was born out of a simple mission: to save travelers, expats, and curious minds from the sheer confusion of the Australian vernacular. We believe that language is the ultimate bridge to culture, and nothing gets you a warmer welcome in Australia than showing you can have a laugh and speak the local tongue.

Whether you're gearing up for a trip down under, or you just want to understand what your Aussie mates are shouting about during the footy, we're here to keep you fair dinkum.