Last year, my sister, mum and I all had the opportunity to travel to Australia and visit a family friend. After a very long plane ride, we got to visit a country that was completely new to us. New people, new places, new things, and especially, new words. My sister and I made a collection of words and put them into a list, and I want to share them with you. These are not even close to all of them, merely a compilation of some of the ones we heard during our trip.
Things:
Boot = trunk
Bin = trash
Toilet = restroom
Togs = bathing suit
Footpath = sidewalk
Car park = parking lot
Bench = counter
Petro = gas
Whipper snipper = weed wacker
Jug = teapot
Caravan = camper
Hungry Jack’s = Burger King
Giddies = horses
Brumbees = wild horses
Pokey = slot machine
Pram = baby stroller
Oldies = elderly
Kiddlings/Kiddies = children
Fiery = firefighter
Ambo = ambulance driver
Lifts = elevators
Sunnies = sunglasses
Thongs = flip flops
Barbies = grills
Lippie = lipstick
Tinnie = tiny boat
Notes = bills (money)
Shrapnel = change (coins)
Chippie = carpenter
Sparkie = electrician
Food:
Porridge = oatmeal
Chook = chicken
Bikkie = cookie
Biscuit = cracker
Chips = fries
Lollies = candy
Tinnie/Stubbie/Talley = can of beer
Chewie = chewing gum
Expressions:
Croikey = “Oh my god"
Cheeky = silly
Rubbish = load of crap
Moaning about = complaining about
Igit = Idiot
Ta = thank you
Not all beer and skittles = not all rainbows and butterflies
Other:
Auzzie = Aussie
Avo = afternoon
Holiday = vacation
Give way = yield
CBC (Central business center) = city
Chemist = pharmacy
To shout = to treat
Now that you can blend in with some of the lingo, start booking your trip to Australia!
