American vs Aussie Sayings
One of the many reasons I decided to study abroad in Australia is because Australians, like Americans, speak English. However, there are definitely some dialect and slang differences I knew would keep things interesting. I’ll be sure to keep this post updated as I spend the next five months here and stick to words that I’ve heard people actually say! The often-shortened Aussie words will come first then I’ll list how they would be said in the United States. Comment below any of these “translations” that caught you by surprise :)
📌Leighton Beach, Western Australia
Terms:
aircon = air conditioning
al foil = aluminum foil
arvo = afternoon
avo = avocado
baking paper = parchment paper
barbie = barbecue/bbq
boorda* = goodbye/see you later
brekkie/brekky = breakfast
capsicum = bell pepper
car park = parking lot
chasey = tag [the game]
defo = definitely
devo = devastated
mate = friend
give way = yield
herbs (“h” is pronounced) = herbs (“h” is silent)
holiday = vacation
mcdonald’s = maccas
mince = ground meat
op shop = thrift shop
pavements = sidewalks
petrol = gas
prawns = shrimp
reckon = think
root for = have sexual relations with
(rubbish) bin = trash can
servo = gas station
singlet = tank top
slag off = insult someone
soz = sorry
straya = Australia
ta = thank you
take away = to go
thongs = flip flops
toilet = bathroom/restroom
trolley = shopping cart
Educational:
college/university = uni
course = degree/program
mark = grade
professor = unit coordinator
unit = class
unit guide = syllabus
unit set = major/minor
Sayings:
“airy fairy”
absent-minded, in one’s own world
“hit the shops”
“going shopping.”
“how are you going?”
“how is it going? / how are you?
“on holiday.”
“for vacation.”
Notes:
“Boorda” is a word derived from the Aboriginal Noongar people of Southwestern Australia. This word came up at the end of my first exercise and sport psychologically tutorial at Murdoch Uni in Perth, Western Australia.
