I have decided to educate the rest of the world about Australian slang, to let you all into a little bit of our Aussie culture, if we can stretch the definition of culture that far ;-)
I have plagiarised substantially from a few sources, but what the hell, I couldn't give a rats arse!!!!
The colloquialism;
The term 'slang' (some language references, such as the Macquarie Dictionary, prefer to use the term 'colloquialism') describes a characteristic of speech (or writing) where a speaker (or writer) feels free to express themselves informally and often outside the confines of correct grammar or social niceties. These expressions are usually cheeky, personal and amusing.
A significant proportion of slang refers to vulgar or 'taboo' concepts and events. But not all humorous or memorable phrases can be classified as slang; it is important to consider how frequent and widespread the use and recognition of the term is among the general population.
The Australian idiom;
Linguists and other cultural theorists value the study of Australian colloquialisms as a way of observing how the Australian character has developed through language. For example, 'having a bash' at something is similar to 'giving it a burl', and both phrases reflect a history of Australian improvisation and hard work. 'Don't come the raw prawn' began its life as slang used by Australian service personnel in World War II, and is still used to warn off someone when they attempt to impose their will.
Sydney Baker, author of a number of important 20th century works about slang, believed that the Australian's 'greatest talent is for idiomatic invention. It is a manifestation of our vitality and restless imagination'.
The Australian fondness for continually adapting English through shortening, substituting and combining words contributes to a vocabulary that most Australians understand, and what could be called the Australian 'idiom' or 'vernacular'.
Substitutions, abbreviations and comparisons;
Colloquialisms can be incorporated into language in a number of ways; the most common of which are substitution and comparison. A common form of substitution is when rhyming slang removes one part of a phrase and replaces it with a word that rhymes, for example to 'have a Captain Cook' means to have a look.
Substitution could also include a 'metaphor', where one word or idea stands in for another. There is no town in Australia called 'Woop Woop', however it has been a popular and evocative byword for a backward and remote location, and has been in use throughout the 20th century.
Colloquialisms that take the form of a comparison often raise startling images, for example: 'flat out like a lizard drinking' (working very hard on a task) or 'standing like a bandicoot on a burnt ridge' (feeling lonely and vulnerable). Dazed and confused, someone will wander 'like a stunned mullet'; in a furious rage, they will be 'mad as a cut snake' and in a state of undeniable lifelessness they will be 'dead as a maggot'.
Australians also demonstrate a strong impulse to abbreviate and alter word endings, resulting in 'barbie' for barbecue, 'arvo' for afternoon, 'cossie' for swimming costume and 'blowie' for blowfly.
Convict sources;
Relics of convict discipline. Following the settlement of Australia as a British penal colony, the language that emerged reflected the distinct conditions of settlement, authority and punishment.
Author Amanda Laugesen, in her book Convict Words: Language in Early Colonial Australia, explains how a 'pure Merino' was a sly way of describing settlers 'who pride themselves on being of the purest blood in the Colony'.
In another example, Laugesen explains how ex-convicts who took up airs and graces on their release were dismissed as 'felon-swells' or 'legitimate exquisites'.
Many of these historically specific terms have now disappeared from common usage. For example, the word 'pebble' once referred to a convict who was difficult to deal with and had the hard qualities of stone. A 'paper man' was a convict who had been granted their documents proving a conditional pardon. 'Magpies' and 'canaries' were not only birds; they also were words that described the black and yellow, or straight yellow uniforms worn by convicts.
However, there are cases of words emerging from the convict underworld, enduring through history and remaining peppered through the conversation of Australians today. The term 'swag', which once referred to the booty stolen by a thief, has become a way of describing a valued bundle of items carried by a traveller. The well-known Australian song Waltzing Matilda has helped to cement this term in the popular imagination.
Aboriginal languages;
One of the most important influences on Australian English has been Aboriginal languages. There are a number of Aboriginal words that have been adopted colloquially within Australian English, for example 'boomerang', ' humpy' or 'corroboree'.
Other hybrid words have emerged through a 'pidgin' or early adaptation of English words to describe aspects of Aboriginal life. The phrase 'gone walkabout' was originally used in the early 19th century to describe the migratory movement of Aboriginals across Australia. Now it is used in a more general, and sometimes inaccurate, way to describe a journey away from home. Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald even reported in 1981 that 'Lady Diana takes a Royal walkabout in her stride' (25 July 1981, p.10).
Gentle Insults;
A significant number of Australian colloquialisms are affectionate insults or backhanded compliments. A clumsy friend or colleague may be called a 'dag', 'galah', 'drongo' or 'boofhead'. There are also many ways of saying that someone is not very useful, for example:
'couldn't find a grand piano in a one-roomed house'
'couldn't blow the froth off a glass of beer'
'a chop short of a barbie'
'useless as an ashtray on a motorbike'
'useless as tits on a chook'.
Perverse reversals;
As writer, poet and member of the modernist literary and artistic movement the Angry Penguins, Max Harris points out in his book The Australian Way with Words , 'one of the Australian ratbag traditions is to take a word and perversely use it as the opposite of its intended meaning.' A well-known illustration of this is the word 'bluey', a nickname for someone with red hair.
Nicknames describing Australian States;
In the spirit of friendly rivalry, Australian states and territories are identified through nicknames. For example, Queensland, where the northern climate encourages tropical fruit growing, is the land of 'banana benders', and Western Australia, home to some of Australia's most magnificent beaches, is populated by 'Sandgropers'. Some terms are less established, for example Victorians were once called 'gum-suckers' when the resin from gum trees (type of Australian tree also known as a Eucalypt) was used as an early substitute for chewing gum.
Interestingly, while certain distinct phrases are limited by geography, there is very little regional variation in Australian colloquialisms considering the distance between the main population centres.
Lost phrases;
It is important to remember that a key feature of colloquialisms, slang or 'Australianisms' are that they are never static and often shift meaning or spelling over time. Inevitably, Australian English is constantly shedding colloquial phrases.
It is unlikely that someone will ask you to share a 'puftaloon' (a fried scone) at a 'shivoo' (party). Even in the colder, southern regions of Australia, it is rare to hear the phrase 'cold as a polar bear's bum'. However, browsing through current and historical dictionaries can offer a fascinating map reflecting the changing economic, political and cultural influences in Australian society.
Here a a few examples to intrigue, inspire, tittilate, tease and just plain confound the rest of the world!!!
"a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock"
adjective:- someone who is mentally 'not quite there, also picnic short of a sandwich , lights are on but nobody is home, etc
"ankle biter"
noun:- small child, also called a rug rat
"arse over tit"
verb:- to fall over
"avago"
verb:- To attempt to do something
"bastard"
noun:- a general form of addressing someone, it can either be an affectionate term of endearment or to describe an unpleasant character. However, should be used with discussion, if in doubt, don't.
"cactus"
adjective:- something has had it, doesn't work anymore, or someone in a lot of trouble.
"cark it"
verb:- to die
"chunder"
verb:- to vomit, usually when drunk. Perhaps from 'up and under'.
Legend has it though that the term hails from the time of the long ships that transported convicts to Australia. It was a twelve month trip and the seas would often be stormy causing the ships to roll from side to side; a prescription for sea sickness.
The convicts were housed in bunk like beds which was generally where you ended up if you were feeling ill. A convict on the top bunk who was about to vomit would yell "Watch out under" to warn the inhabitants of the lower bunks of the pending delivery.
As with most Australian slang, the phrase "Watch out under" got shortened to "Chunder" - or so the story goes..
"dag"
adjective:- bits of manure that stick to the long wool around a sheep's bottom forming small dangling balls. Also a term for a funny person, nerd, goof, loser. In this respect it can have either an endearing or disparaging meaning, although is usually used for a likable fellow.
"Darwin stubbie"
noun:- In Darwin this is a 1.25 litre bottle of beer. In the rest of the country a stubbie is a 375 ml bottle of beer, quite a difference. Legend has it that in Darwin a long road journey is not measured in time or distance but in stubbies, i.e. the number of stubbies drunk en-route.
"dinkum"
adjective:- real, honest or genuine. Can also be used to question validity, e.g.., dinkum? See also fair dinkum.
"drongo"
noun:- a stupid, inept, awkward or embarrassing person, a dimwit or slow-witted person, a fool.
"five finger discount"
noun:- shoplifting, store theft.
"g'day"
misc:- the universal Australian friendly greeting, as in hello. Pronounced "Gidday", a shortened form of "Good Day".
"galah"
adjective:- an endearing term for a fool or silly person. Also, and from, a particularly noisy parrot coloured Pink and Grey.
"hang on"
verb:- wait a moment
"lamington"
noun:- An Australian delicacy, made from sponge cake cut into squares, and covered in chocolate and coconut. As Homer would say, "Mmmm... Lamingtons". Apparently Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 1895 - 1901. Go here for a Lamington recipe. http://www.aussieslang.com/features/australian-lamingtons-recipe.asp
I'd love to see one of you gorgeous girls do a photo set with lamingtons instead of cupcakes!!! Who's up for it??
"larrikin"
noun:- a rowdy irresponsible and rascally boy or young man.
"legend"
adjective:- a person who excels, is a champion or hero, or all around good guy.
"liquid amber, amber fluid"
noun:- beer
"mate"
noun:- a general greeting term and familiar greeting amongst men whether a friend or total stranger. Similar to Cobber. I find it amazing that whenever I am abroad and meet another Aussie, I immediately refer to him/her as mate. US = buddy.
"make a quid"
verb:- to earn a basic living.
"narked"
adjective:- to be very annoyed about something/someone.
"nick"
adjective:- the condition of an object.
"nick off"
verb:- go away. Can be used to explain that someone is leaving, or as an expletive to tell someone rather rudely to go away.
"nick out"
verb:- to pop out for a short period of time.
"nick, to"
verb:- to steal something.
"onya"
misc:- an expression of encouragement, short for good on you.
"Oz"
noun:- alternate spelling of Aus, short for Australia, God's country. THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!
"razoo"
noun:- a fictitious coin made from brass. The term is usually used to indicate that someone has no money. "I haven't got a brass razoo!"
"seppo, septic or septic tank"
noun:- a derogatory term for an American, "septic tank" rhyming with "yank". Sorry guys!! ;-)
"sheila"
noun:- a common term for an Australia female, usually single and probably good looking. It probably originated from the high number of female immigrants from Ireland called Sheelagh.
"she'll be apples", " she'll be right", or "she'll be sweet"
misc:- everything will be OK, there is no need to worry.
"sparrows fart"
noun:- dawn
"Strine"
noun:- what this is all about, Australian Slang. Strine is a nasally contraction of "Australian".
"Thongs"
noun:- rubber sandals, called flip-flops in New Zealand on account of the noise they make when walking. When you guys talk about girls wearing thongs, we fucking laugh so hard!!!!
"tomato sauce"
noun:- the "correct" name for ketchup or catsup. Also a horse, but then dead horse also means tomato sauce. Confused yet?
"up yourself"
adjective:- having a large ego.
"waterhole"
noun:- a pub or hotel.
"Yank tank"
noun:- An American car.
"yobbo"
noun:- an uncouth person.
Enjoy!!!!!
Australian National University webpage of Australianisms!
http://www.anu.edu.au/ANDC/res/aus_words/aewords/aewords_ab.php#a
Koalanet slang dictionary!
http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html
Aussie slang dictionary!
http://www.aussieslang.com/slang/australian-slang-a.asp
I have plagiarised substantially from a few sources, but what the hell, I couldn't give a rats arse!!!!
The colloquialism;
The term 'slang' (some language references, such as the Macquarie Dictionary, prefer to use the term 'colloquialism') describes a characteristic of speech (or writing) where a speaker (or writer) feels free to express themselves informally and often outside the confines of correct grammar or social niceties. These expressions are usually cheeky, personal and amusing.
A significant proportion of slang refers to vulgar or 'taboo' concepts and events. But not all humorous or memorable phrases can be classified as slang; it is important to consider how frequent and widespread the use and recognition of the term is among the general population.
The Australian idiom;
Linguists and other cultural theorists value the study of Australian colloquialisms as a way of observing how the Australian character has developed through language. For example, 'having a bash' at something is similar to 'giving it a burl', and both phrases reflect a history of Australian improvisation and hard work. 'Don't come the raw prawn' began its life as slang used by Australian service personnel in World War II, and is still used to warn off someone when they attempt to impose their will.
Sydney Baker, author of a number of important 20th century works about slang, believed that the Australian's 'greatest talent is for idiomatic invention. It is a manifestation of our vitality and restless imagination'.
The Australian fondness for continually adapting English through shortening, substituting and combining words contributes to a vocabulary that most Australians understand, and what could be called the Australian 'idiom' or 'vernacular'.
Substitutions, abbreviations and comparisons;
Colloquialisms can be incorporated into language in a number of ways; the most common of which are substitution and comparison. A common form of substitution is when rhyming slang removes one part of a phrase and replaces it with a word that rhymes, for example to 'have a Captain Cook' means to have a look.
Substitution could also include a 'metaphor', where one word or idea stands in for another. There is no town in Australia called 'Woop Woop', however it has been a popular and evocative byword for a backward and remote location, and has been in use throughout the 20th century.
Colloquialisms that take the form of a comparison often raise startling images, for example: 'flat out like a lizard drinking' (working very hard on a task) or 'standing like a bandicoot on a burnt ridge' (feeling lonely and vulnerable). Dazed and confused, someone will wander 'like a stunned mullet'; in a furious rage, they will be 'mad as a cut snake' and in a state of undeniable lifelessness they will be 'dead as a maggot'.
Australians also demonstrate a strong impulse to abbreviate and alter word endings, resulting in 'barbie' for barbecue, 'arvo' for afternoon, 'cossie' for swimming costume and 'blowie' for blowfly.
Convict sources;
Relics of convict discipline. Following the settlement of Australia as a British penal colony, the language that emerged reflected the distinct conditions of settlement, authority and punishment.
Author Amanda Laugesen, in her book Convict Words: Language in Early Colonial Australia, explains how a 'pure Merino' was a sly way of describing settlers 'who pride themselves on being of the purest blood in the Colony'.
In another example, Laugesen explains how ex-convicts who took up airs and graces on their release were dismissed as 'felon-swells' or 'legitimate exquisites'.
Many of these historically specific terms have now disappeared from common usage. For example, the word 'pebble' once referred to a convict who was difficult to deal with and had the hard qualities of stone. A 'paper man' was a convict who had been granted their documents proving a conditional pardon. 'Magpies' and 'canaries' were not only birds; they also were words that described the black and yellow, or straight yellow uniforms worn by convicts.
However, there are cases of words emerging from the convict underworld, enduring through history and remaining peppered through the conversation of Australians today. The term 'swag', which once referred to the booty stolen by a thief, has become a way of describing a valued bundle of items carried by a traveller. The well-known Australian song Waltzing Matilda has helped to cement this term in the popular imagination.
Aboriginal languages;
One of the most important influences on Australian English has been Aboriginal languages. There are a number of Aboriginal words that have been adopted colloquially within Australian English, for example 'boomerang', ' humpy' or 'corroboree'.
Other hybrid words have emerged through a 'pidgin' or early adaptation of English words to describe aspects of Aboriginal life. The phrase 'gone walkabout' was originally used in the early 19th century to describe the migratory movement of Aboriginals across Australia. Now it is used in a more general, and sometimes inaccurate, way to describe a journey away from home. Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald even reported in 1981 that 'Lady Diana takes a Royal walkabout in her stride' (25 July 1981, p.10).
Gentle Insults;
A significant number of Australian colloquialisms are affectionate insults or backhanded compliments. A clumsy friend or colleague may be called a 'dag', 'galah', 'drongo' or 'boofhead'. There are also many ways of saying that someone is not very useful, for example:
'couldn't find a grand piano in a one-roomed house'
'couldn't blow the froth off a glass of beer'
'a chop short of a barbie'
'useless as an ashtray on a motorbike'
'useless as tits on a chook'.
Perverse reversals;
As writer, poet and member of the modernist literary and artistic movement the Angry Penguins, Max Harris points out in his book The Australian Way with Words , 'one of the Australian ratbag traditions is to take a word and perversely use it as the opposite of its intended meaning.' A well-known illustration of this is the word 'bluey', a nickname for someone with red hair.
Nicknames describing Australian States;
In the spirit of friendly rivalry, Australian states and territories are identified through nicknames. For example, Queensland, where the northern climate encourages tropical fruit growing, is the land of 'banana benders', and Western Australia, home to some of Australia's most magnificent beaches, is populated by 'Sandgropers'. Some terms are less established, for example Victorians were once called 'gum-suckers' when the resin from gum trees (type of Australian tree also known as a Eucalypt) was used as an early substitute for chewing gum.
Interestingly, while certain distinct phrases are limited by geography, there is very little regional variation in Australian colloquialisms considering the distance between the main population centres.
Lost phrases;
It is important to remember that a key feature of colloquialisms, slang or 'Australianisms' are that they are never static and often shift meaning or spelling over time. Inevitably, Australian English is constantly shedding colloquial phrases.
It is unlikely that someone will ask you to share a 'puftaloon' (a fried scone) at a 'shivoo' (party). Even in the colder, southern regions of Australia, it is rare to hear the phrase 'cold as a polar bear's bum'. However, browsing through current and historical dictionaries can offer a fascinating map reflecting the changing economic, political and cultural influences in Australian society.
Here a a few examples to intrigue, inspire, tittilate, tease and just plain confound the rest of the world!!!
"a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock"
adjective:- someone who is mentally 'not quite there, also picnic short of a sandwich , lights are on but nobody is home, etc
"ankle biter"
noun:- small child, also called a rug rat
"arse over tit"
verb:- to fall over
"avago"
verb:- To attempt to do something
"bastard"
noun:- a general form of addressing someone, it can either be an affectionate term of endearment or to describe an unpleasant character. However, should be used with discussion, if in doubt, don't.
"cactus"
adjective:- something has had it, doesn't work anymore, or someone in a lot of trouble.
"cark it"
verb:- to die
"chunder"
verb:- to vomit, usually when drunk. Perhaps from 'up and under'.
Legend has it though that the term hails from the time of the long ships that transported convicts to Australia. It was a twelve month trip and the seas would often be stormy causing the ships to roll from side to side; a prescription for sea sickness.
The convicts were housed in bunk like beds which was generally where you ended up if you were feeling ill. A convict on the top bunk who was about to vomit would yell "Watch out under" to warn the inhabitants of the lower bunks of the pending delivery.
As with most Australian slang, the phrase "Watch out under" got shortened to "Chunder" - or so the story goes..
"dag"
adjective:- bits of manure that stick to the long wool around a sheep's bottom forming small dangling balls. Also a term for a funny person, nerd, goof, loser. In this respect it can have either an endearing or disparaging meaning, although is usually used for a likable fellow.
"Darwin stubbie"
noun:- In Darwin this is a 1.25 litre bottle of beer. In the rest of the country a stubbie is a 375 ml bottle of beer, quite a difference. Legend has it that in Darwin a long road journey is not measured in time or distance but in stubbies, i.e. the number of stubbies drunk en-route.
"dinkum"
adjective:- real, honest or genuine. Can also be used to question validity, e.g.., dinkum? See also fair dinkum.
"drongo"
noun:- a stupid, inept, awkward or embarrassing person, a dimwit or slow-witted person, a fool.
"five finger discount"
noun:- shoplifting, store theft.
"g'day"
misc:- the universal Australian friendly greeting, as in hello. Pronounced "Gidday", a shortened form of "Good Day".
"galah"
adjective:- an endearing term for a fool or silly person. Also, and from, a particularly noisy parrot coloured Pink and Grey.
"hang on"
verb:- wait a moment
"lamington"
noun:- An Australian delicacy, made from sponge cake cut into squares, and covered in chocolate and coconut. As Homer would say, "Mmmm... Lamingtons". Apparently Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 1895 - 1901. Go here for a Lamington recipe. http://www.aussieslang.com/features/australian-lamingtons-recipe.asp
I'd love to see one of you gorgeous girls do a photo set with lamingtons instead of cupcakes!!! Who's up for it??
"larrikin"
noun:- a rowdy irresponsible and rascally boy or young man.
"legend"
adjective:- a person who excels, is a champion or hero, or all around good guy.
"liquid amber, amber fluid"
noun:- beer
"mate"
noun:- a general greeting term and familiar greeting amongst men whether a friend or total stranger. Similar to Cobber. I find it amazing that whenever I am abroad and meet another Aussie, I immediately refer to him/her as mate. US = buddy.
"make a quid"
verb:- to earn a basic living.
"narked"
adjective:- to be very annoyed about something/someone.
"nick"
adjective:- the condition of an object.
"nick off"
verb:- go away. Can be used to explain that someone is leaving, or as an expletive to tell someone rather rudely to go away.
"nick out"
verb:- to pop out for a short period of time.
"nick, to"
verb:- to steal something.
"onya"
misc:- an expression of encouragement, short for good on you.
"Oz"
noun:- alternate spelling of Aus, short for Australia, God's country. THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!
"razoo"
noun:- a fictitious coin made from brass. The term is usually used to indicate that someone has no money. "I haven't got a brass razoo!"
"seppo, septic or septic tank"
noun:- a derogatory term for an American, "septic tank" rhyming with "yank". Sorry guys!! ;-)
"sheila"
noun:- a common term for an Australia female, usually single and probably good looking. It probably originated from the high number of female immigrants from Ireland called Sheelagh.
"she'll be apples", " she'll be right", or "she'll be sweet"
misc:- everything will be OK, there is no need to worry.
"sparrows fart"
noun:- dawn
"Strine"
noun:- what this is all about, Australian Slang. Strine is a nasally contraction of "Australian".
"Thongs"
noun:- rubber sandals, called flip-flops in New Zealand on account of the noise they make when walking. When you guys talk about girls wearing thongs, we fucking laugh so hard!!!!
"tomato sauce"
noun:- the "correct" name for ketchup or catsup. Also a horse, but then dead horse also means tomato sauce. Confused yet?
"up yourself"
adjective:- having a large ego.
"waterhole"
noun:- a pub or hotel.
"Yank tank"
noun:- An American car.
"yobbo"
noun:- an uncouth person.
Enjoy!!!!!
Australian National University webpage of Australianisms!
http://www.anu.edu.au/ANDC/res/aus_words/aewords/aewords_ab.php#a
Koalanet slang dictionary!
http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html
Aussie slang dictionary!
http://www.aussieslang.com/slang/australian-slang-a.asp
VIEW 25 of 166 COMMENTS
selenemoon:
Hi, thanks for your comment in my album and for accepting my add, Have a nice day 
selenemoon:
Thanks for your comment I'm sure that you have also beautiful places there in Australia
I'm sure that you have also beautiful places there in Australia