Understanding Australian Language and Culture

1. G’day and All That

It’s not just the language; it’s also the accent. Familiarizing yourself with uniquely Australian words and phrases is an important first step in understanding the Australian language. Moreover, knowing a bit of Strine can enhance your experience while visiting.

Don’t get into a blue. In a pub, you might be asked to shout. Don’t holler your head off; you’re just being reminded it’s your turn to pay for the next round of drinks. If you’re visiting Australia and speak English, you should generally have no trouble grasping the local lingo.

2. Don’t Let Language Hinder Romance

Imagine you’re an American male visiting Australia and you meet a dinki-di Aussie sheila. You hit it off, and she wonders if you can meet her later, say at 5 pm, near the lifts by the chemists on the first floor of the Oz Building. “No worries, mate,” you respond, having already picked up that quintessential Aussie expression.

3. Common Aussie Words and Phrases

To better understand the Australian language, familiarize yourself with some common Aussie words and phrases. While some may be colloquial, they are widely used in spoken and written Australian contexts. It’s not strictly slang, nor is it the more esoteric rhyming slang, but they are useful terms to know.

4. Strine and Aussie Slang

Unfortunately, Australian slang evolves rapidly, and terms in use today may become outdated quickly. Here’s a growing alphabetical list of Strine and Aussie slang, serving as a handy reference when you encounter a specific Australianism.

5. Australian Rhyming Slang

It is widely believed that Australian rhyming slang originated from Cockney and was brought to Australia by convicts. They would use rhyming slang to keep their conversations secret, particularly from authorities. Although it takes time to get accustomed to, asking for clarifications is always an option if you hear unfamiliar phrases.

6. Rhyming Slang Variations

A common variation in rhyming slang involves dropping the rhyming word altogether. For instance, instead of saying “have a Captain Cook” (where “Cook” rhymes with “look”), you might simply say “have a captains.” Furthermore, when the rhyming word is omitted, the remaining word may take on a plural form, potentially adding to the confusion.

7. Rhyming Slang Examples

Like all slang, usage changes over time, and many rhyming slang terms may no longer be in circulation. Nevertheless, understanding a few rhyming slang examples can give you insight into how these phrases come into play within Australian culture.