Latest issue is now live!
The Thrifty Traveller Issue: Meaningful travel that costs less.
Not Just for Kids: Volunteering Abroad for Retirees
People with decades of experience bring valuable skills to a volunteer placement.
2022's Best Destinations for Sustainable Travel
From tourism laws protecting the natural environment, to support for ethical cultural tourism, these countries are leading the sustainable travel movement.
How to be an Amazing Volunteer: Q & A with Susan E. Gibson
With decades of field experience in the international development sector, author Susan E. Gibson knows what it takes to be a great overseas volunteer.
How to Become a Safari Guide
Looking for a life change? Try an accredited field-guiding program in one of Africa's biodiversity hotspots.
Top Study Abroad Destinations for 2022
Sometimes the biggest challenge is deciding where to go.
Tips For Making Study Abroad More Affordable
The perceived cost of studying abroad stops many students in their tracks. Here are 9 ways to avoid breaking the bank.
International Job Hunting Strategies That Work
Advice from recruiters and expats to help you land that job abroad.
×

Warning

The mail function has been disabled by an administrator.

Don't Spit the Dummy, It's Just Strine: A Guide to Australian Slang

By  Verge Staff January 11, 2010

Heading to the land of Oz, but you don't speak "Australian"? Verge covers the basics of Aussie Strine.

Australians speak English right? Well, mostly yes, but get out of the big cities and into some of the rural areas, and you might hear some unique vocabulary that can raise eyebrows and cause confusion for visitors who are unschooled in Aussie Strine.  For instance, what would you say to this?

Me and a couple of banana benders I haven't seen in yonks went into the bush, but the blowies and the mozzies were so bad that I nearly did me lollie.  One of me mates was whingin like an anklebiter.  I told him she'll be apples, but he was just standing there, doing the Aussie salute and looking like a stunned Mullet.

We all know the classic Australian greeting "G'day", and "no worries" is an original Aussie-ism that's now used all the time here in Canada.

Here's a few others to memorize so you can impress all your Australian mates.

Ace – Excellent

Bewdy – Good ‘beauty!’

Chewy – Chewing gum

Dead set – Certain, ‘really!’

Nick off – Go away

Owyagoin – How are you?

Waddayarekon – What do you think?

Arvo – Afternoon

Banana Bender – A person from Queensland

Bottlo, bottle shop – Liquor store

Do your lolly – Lose your temper

Ear basher – Someone who talks too much

Fair dinkum – The honest truth, true blue

She'll be apples – It will be fine

Aussie salute – Swatting at the flies or mosquitoes around your head

Your shout – Your turn to buy drinks

Pull ya head in – Mind your own business

And by the way, in Australia, a dummy is a baby's pacifier.  When a baby drops it, it usually becomes inconsolable, hence if you're having a dummy spit, you're carrying on like an inconsolable baby.

More Destination Australia:

9 Great Things to Do In Australia
Work, Study and Volunteer Opportunities

Add this article to your reading list
Published in Beyond the Guidebook

About

Travel with purpose; travel for good. Articles, resources and events for ethical and meaningful travel, volunteering, working and studying abroad.

Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.

About Us

Like what you see?

Follow us on social media