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{{Short description|Australian slang words}} {{Short description|Australian slang words}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2022}} {{More citations needed|date=July 2022}}
] ]''.]]
] ]


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Diminutives are often used for place names, and are only recognised by people in the local area, for example, ''cot'' for ''Cottesloe Beach'' in ], ''Parra'' for ''Parramatta'' in ] and ''Broady'' for ''Broadmeadows'' in ]. Even entire cities and States, such as ''Shepp'' for the major regional Victorian city of ] or ''Gong'' for the New South Wales coastal city/region of ] or ''Tassie'' for the state of ]. Diminutives are often used for place names, and are only recognised by people in the local area, for example, ''cot'' for ''Cottesloe Beach'' in ], ''Parra'' for ''Parramatta'' in ] and ''Broady'' for ''Broadmeadows'' in ]. Even entire cities and States, such as ''Shepp'' for the major regional Victorian city of ] or ''Gong'' for the New South Wales coastal city/region of ] or ''Tassie'' for the state of ].


] and hotel names in particular are often shortened. For example, pubs called the Esplanade Hotel, such as the ] in ], will often be called ''The Espy''.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}} ] and hotel names in particular are often shortened. For example, pubs called the Esplanade Hotel, such as the ] in ], will often be called ''The Espy''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hotelesplanade.com.au/espy-story/|title=The Espy Story|work=hotelesplanade.com.au}}</ref>


==Purpose and history== ==Purpose and history==
The purpose of diminutives in Australian English is not well understood despite being a prominent part of Australian culture. Some research suggests that the use of diminutives serves to make interactions more informal, friendly and relaxed.<ref name="gamble"></ref> Linguist Anna Wierzbicka argues that Australians' use of diminutives reflects Australian cultural values of mateship, friendliness, informality, and solidarity, while downplaying formality and avoiding bragging associated with ].<ref name = "Luu"></ref> The purpose of diminutives in Australian English is not well understood despite being a prominent part of Australian culture. Some research suggests that the use of diminutives serves to make interactions more informal, friendly and relaxed.<ref name="gamble"></ref> Linguist Anna Wierzbicka argues that Australians' use of diminutives reflects Australian cultural values of mateship, friendliness, informality, and solidarity, while downplaying formality and avoiding bragging associated with ].<ref name = "Luu"></ref>


Records of the use of diminutives in Australian English date back to the 1800s. Older Australians tend to prefer diminutives with endings such a '-o' in smoko (a work rest break); however, younger Australians have begun to use endings such as -s as seen in totes (totally).<ref name="gamble"></ref> Records of the use of diminutives in Australian English date back to the 1800s. Older Australians tend to prefer diminutives with endings such as '-o' in smoko (a work rest break); however, younger Australians have begun to use endings such as -s as seen in totes (totally).<ref name="gamble"></ref>


==List of diminutives== ==List of diminutives==
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{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''Abo''' or (more commonly) '''Abbo''', an ]. From ]. Considered offensive.<ref name=SBS>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/derogatory-aboriginal-term-forces-change-in-restaurant-s-menu|title=A famous Sydney restaurant has been forced to change its menu, with a breakfast item named after a derogatory term used to refer to Aboriginal children.|accessdate=2020-01-04}}</ref><ref name=PERTHNOW>{{cite web|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/abo-is-not-just-an-abbreviation-of-aboriginal-ng-4ddb57fe9fac0137c39f9d0b9bbb1d9f|title='Abo' is not just an abbreviation of 'Aboriginal'|date=2011-07-11|accessdate=2020-01-04}}</ref> *'''Abo''' or (more commonly) '''Abbo''', an ]. From ]. Considered offensive.<ref name=SBS>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/derogatory-aboriginal-term-forces-change-in-restaurant-s-menu|title=A famous Sydney restaurant has been forced to change its menu, with a breakfast item named after a derogatory term used to refer to Aboriginal children.|accessdate=2020-01-04}}</ref><ref name=PERTHNOW>{{cite web|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/abo-is-not-just-an-abbreviation-of-aboriginal-ng-4ddb57fe9fac0137c39f9d0b9bbb1d9f|title='Abo' is not just an abbreviation of 'Aboriginal'|date=2011-07-11|accessdate=2020-01-04}}</ref>
*'''Acca/Dacca''', ], popular band *'''Acca Dacca''', rock band ]
*'''Aggro''', aggressive, aggravated or angry *'''Aggro''', aggressive, aggravated or angry
*'''Ag pipe''', agricultural pipe (black heavy-duty hose used for irrigation etc.)
*'''Albo''', ], 31st prime minister of Australia *'''Albo''', ], 31st prime minister of Australia
*'''Alco''' or (less commonly) ‡'''Alkie''', an alcoholic *'''Alco''' or (less commonly) ‡'''Alkie''', an alcoholic
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*‡'''Budgie''', a ], a ]. Male swimming briefs are called ''budgie smugglers''.<ref name="anu"/> *‡'''Budgie''', a ], a ]. Male swimming briefs are called ''budgie smugglers''.<ref name="anu"/>
*'''Bundy''', the city of ], or the ] beverage *'''Bundy''', the city of ], or the ] beverage
*'''Bunners''', the ] chain of hardware stores, or the city of ], ] *'''Bunners''', the ] chain of hardware stores, or the city of ]
*'''Bushie''', a ], one who is competent to live away from civilization (from bushman)<ref name=OUP/> *'''Bushie''', a ], one who is competent to live away from civilization (from bushman)<ref name=OUP/>
*'''Busso''', the town of ], ] *'''Busso''', the town of ], ]
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{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''Falsies''', a heavily-padded brassiere, or ] (false teeth) *'''Falsies''', a heavily-padded brassiere, or ] (false teeth)
*‡'''Fanny''', slang for the ]
*'''Farnsy''', Australian singer ] *'''Farnsy''', Australian singer ]
*'''Festy''', festering, denoting something disgusting
*'''Firie''', a firefighter<ref name=smh/> *'''Firie''', a firefighter<ref name=smh/>
*'''Fisho''', a ] or woman *'''Fisho''', a ] or woman
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*'''Franga''', the suburb of ], or slang for a ] *'''Franga''', the suburb of ], or slang for a ]
*'''Freo''', the city of ] in Western Australia *'''Freo''', the city of ] in Western Australia
*'''Freshie''', a ],<ref name=OUP/> as opposed to a '''saltie''' - a saltwater crocodile. Also the ] in Sydney *'''Freshie''', a ],<ref name=OUP/> or the ] in Sydney
*'''Frothie''' or '''frothy''', a ]
*'''Forkie''', a ] operator *'''Forkie''', a ] operator
*'''Fourby''', a ] vehicle, derived from 4x4 ("four by four") *'''Fourby''', a ] vehicle, derived from 4x4 ("four by four")
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===G=== ===G===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''G Town''', nickname for ], ]
*'''The G''', the MCG, or ]
*''']''', The Brisbane Cricket Ground, located in the suburb of ]. *''']''', The Brisbane Cricket Ground, located in the suburb of ].
*'''Garbo''', a garbage collector<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lexico.com/definition/garbo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226000905/https://www.lexico.com/definition/garbo|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2021|title=GARBO &#124; Definition of GARBO by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of GARBO|website=Lexico Dictionaries &#124; English}}</ref> *'''Garbo''', a garbage collector<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lexico.com/definition/garbo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226000905/https://www.lexico.com/definition/garbo|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2021|title=GARBO &#124; Definition of GARBO by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of GARBO|website=Lexico Dictionaries &#124; English}}</ref>
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*'''Geo''', a ] *'''Geo''', a ]
*'''Gladdy''', the ] family of plants.<ref name=OUP/> The term was popularised by ] in character as ] *'''Gladdy''', the ] family of plants.<ref name=OUP/> The term was popularised by ] in character as ]
*'''Glenny''', ], a suburb of ] *'''Glenny''', ], a suburb of ]
*'''The Gong''', ], New South Wales *'''The Gong''', ], ]
*'''Greenie''', an ], from the ];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/greenie|title=Definition of greenie &#124; Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref> usually pejoratively *'''Greenie''', an ], from the ];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/greenie|title=Definition of greenie &#124; Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref> usually pejoratively
*'''Greensie''', ], a suburb of Melbourne *'''Greensie''', ], a suburb of Melbourne
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*'''Landy''', a ] or ] automobile *'''Landy''', a ] or ] automobile
*'''Lebo''', or '''Leb''', for Middle Eastern immigrant, specifically from ], sometimes pejorative. *'''Lebo''', or '''Leb''', for Middle Eastern immigrant, specifically from ], sometimes pejorative.
*'''Lecky''', electrical, as in "lecky tape" (]) *'''Lecky''', electrical, as in "lecky tape" (])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://leckys.com.au/about/|title=Lecky’s Electrical & Data}}</ref>
*‡'''Leftie''', a person with left wing views; a left-handed person *‡'''Leftie''', a person with left wing views; a left-handed person
*'''Lesbo''' or '''lezzo''', a lesbian (offensive) *'''Lesbo''' or '''lezzo''', a lesbian (offensive)
*'''Liftie''', a ski lift operator *'''Liftie''', a ski lift operator
*‡'''Limey''', a person from the UK, prominently English (Not offensive but unfriendly) *‡''']''', a person from the UK, prominently English (Not offensive but unfriendly)
*‡'''Lippy''', a lipstick *‡'''Lippy''', a lipstick
*‡'''Lappy''', a laptop computer *‡'''Lappy''', a laptop computer
*'''Locko''', covid lockdown or isolation *'''Locko''', covid lockdown or isolation
*'''Lonny''', ], ]
*'''Lotto''', the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/prod/filestore.nsf/FileURL/mrdoc_42707.pdf/$FILE/Lotteries%20Commission%20Act%201990%20-%20%5B03-f0-00%5D.pdf?OpenElement|title=Lotteries Commission Act 1990|work=legislation.wa.gov.au/}}</ref>
{{div col end}} {{div col end}}


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===N=== ===N===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''Nasho''', a conscript in the army. Derived from national service. Used especially around the Vietnam war. In the Army it was used in a derogatory sense.<ref name="School"/> The term has fallen out of use as conscription in Australia ended in the 1970s. Common use is now Nationality *'''Nasho''', a conscript in the army. Derived from national service. Used especially around the Vietnam war. In the Army it was used in a derogatory sense.<ref name="School"/> The term has fallen out of use as conscription in Australia ended in the 1970s. Common use is now Nationality
*'''Newie or Newy''', ] *'''Newie or Newy''', ]
*'''Nibblies''', small portions of food nibbled on at parties<ref>{{cite news| work= ] | title=No ‘nibblies’: three rules for surviving Australia’s party-snack culture|author=Happy Feraren| url=https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/oct/28/no-nibblies-three-rules-for-surviving-australias-party-snack-culture}}</ref> *'''Nibblies''', small portions of food nibbled on at parties<ref>{{cite news| work= ] | title=No ‘nibblies’: three rules for surviving Australia’s party-snack culture|author=Happy Feraren| url=https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/oct/28/no-nibblies-three-rules-for-surviving-australias-party-snack-culture}}</ref>
{{div col end}}
]

=== O ===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''Op shop''', ]
{{div col end}}
] ]


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===Q=== ===Q===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''Queanie''' or '''Queany''', the city of ]
*'''Quazza''', quarantine
*'''Queanie''', the city of ]
{{div col end}} {{div col end}}
] ]
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*'''Reno''', a house renovation *'''Reno''', a house renovation
*'''Reso''', a reservation *'''Reso''', a reservation
*'''Ressie''' or '''Ressy''', the suburb of ] *'''Ressie''' or '''Ressa''', the suburb of ]
*'''Rellie''' or '''relo''', a relative *'''Rellie''' or '''relo''', a relative
*'''Reo''', reinforcing steel, ]<ref name=OUP/> *'''Reo''', reinforcing steel, ]<ref name=OUP/>
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===S=== ===S===
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''Saltie''', a ], as opposed to a '''freshie''', a ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/saltie|title=Saltie definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary|website=www.collinsdictionary.com}}</ref> *'''Saltie''', a ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/saltie|title=Saltie definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary|website=www.collinsdictionary.com}}</ref>
*'''Salvos''', ]. The term is used officially by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/|title=The Salvation Army Australia &#124; Hope where it's needed most|first=The Salvation Army|last=Australia|website=www.salvationarmy.org.au}}</ref> *'''Salvos''', ]. The term is used officially by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/|title=The Salvation Army Australia &#124; Hope where it's needed most|first=The Salvation Army|last=Australia|website=www.salvationarmy.org.au}}</ref>
*'''Sanga''' or '''Sanger''', a sandwich. Originally sango, but evolved to its current form by the 1960s.<ref name="anu"/><ref>{{cite web| work= Macquarie Dictionary | title=Australian Word Map| url=https://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/resources/aus/word/map/search/word/sanga/The%20Riverina/}}</ref> *'''Sanga''' or '''Sanger''', a sandwich. Originally sango, but evolved to its current form by the 1960s.<ref name="anu"/><ref>{{cite web| work= Macquarie Dictionary | title=Australian Word Map| url=https://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/resources/aus/word/map/search/word/sanga/The%20Riverina/}}</ref>
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*'''Sav''', ], especially '''battered sav''', a showtime treat *'''Sav''', ], especially '''battered sav''', a showtime treat
*'''Savvy B''', Sauvignon Blanc wine *'''Savvy B''', Sauvignon Blanc wine
*'''Scratchie''', a ] ticket<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ozlotteries.com/blog/scratchies-and-pokies-vs-lottery-odds|title=What are scratchies and how do scratchies work?|work=ozlotteries.com/}}</ref>
*'''Scratchie''', a ] ticket
*'''ScoMo''', ], 30th prime minister of Australia *'''ScoMo''', ], 30th prime minister of Australia
*'''Scrooge''' or '''screwge''', a ] *'''Scrooge''' or '''screwge''', a ]
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*'''Stubby''' or '''Stubbie''', a small, wide bottle of beer<ref name=OUP/> *'''Stubby''' or '''Stubbie''', a small, wide bottle of beer<ref name=OUP/>
*'''Subbie''', a subcontractor *'''Subbie''', a subcontractor
*'''Subi''' or '''Subie''', a ] car<ref name=ag/>, or the suburb of ] *'''Subi''' or '''Subie''', a ] car,<ref name=ag/> or the suburb of ]
*‡'''Sunnies''', sunglasses<ref name=ag/> *‡'''Sunnies''', sunglasses<ref name=ag/>
*'''Surfie''', a surfer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/surfie|title=Definition of surfie &#124; Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref> *'''Surfie''', a surfer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/surfie|title=Definition of surfie &#124; Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref>
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{{Div col|colwidth=30em}} {{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
*'''{{IPA|U-ey}}''' ,'''U'ie''' (you-eee), as in "Chuck a u-ey" — to perform a ] (when driving a vehicle)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/the-australian-slang-terms-you-need-to-know/|title=15 Australian Slang Words to Help You Speak Like a Local|first=Tom|last=Smith|website=Culture Trip|date=19 July 2018}}</ref> *'''{{IPA|U-ey}}''' ,'''U'ie''' (you-eee), as in "Chuck a u-ey" — to perform a ] (when driving a vehicle)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/the-australian-slang-terms-you-need-to-know/|title=15 Australian Slang Words to Help You Speak Like a Local|first=Tom|last=Smith|website=Culture Trip|date=19 July 2018}}</ref>
*'''Ump''' or '''Umpie''', an umpire at a sporting game See also Ref *'''Umpie''' or '''Ump''', an umpire at a sporting game
*‡'''Undies''', underwear. This word is used widely outside Australian English.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/undies|title=Definition of undies &#124; Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref> *‡'''Undies''', underwear. This word is used widely outside Australian English.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/undies|title=Definition of undies &#124; Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref>
*‡'''Uni''', university *‡'''Uni''', university
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*‡'''Veggie''' or '''vegie''', vegetables, generally not a vegetarian *‡'''Veggie''' or '''vegie''', vegetables, generally not a vegetarian
*'''Veggo''', a ], never a vegetable *'''Veggo''', a ], never a vegetable
*'''Vic''', ]
*'''Vinnies''', ]. The term is used officially by the society in Australia. Commonly runs "op shops" (]) *'''Vinnies''', ]. The term is used officially by the society in Australia. Commonly runs "op shops" (])
{{div col end}} {{div col end}}

Latest revision as of 20:55, 22 December 2024

Australian slang words
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Find sources: "Diminutives in Australian English" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
In Australian English, utility vehicles are almost always referred to in the diminutive as a ute.
Flannelette shirts

Diminutive forms of words are commonly used in everyday Australian English. While many dialects of English make use of diminutives and hypocorisms, Australian English uses them more extensively than any other. Diminutives may be seen as slang, but many are used widely across the whole of society. Some forms have also spread outside Australia to other English-speaking countries. There are over 5,000 identified diminutives in use in Australian English.

Usage

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is well known for using Australian colloquialisms such as diminutives.

In other English dialects, diminutives usually imply smallness or have a childish connotation such as in 'birdie', 'doggy', or 'kitty'. While diminutives can be used in this way in Australian English, they are also used widely in a non-childish manner, with over 4,300 being recorded. For example, bikie (a motorcycle, or motorbike club member), does not imply a bicycle in a small or childish sense as it may in other English dialects.

In Australian English, diminutives are usually formed by taking the first part of a word, and adding an ending such as a, o, ie, or y. Sometimes, no ending is added. While the form of a diminutive is arbitrary, their use follows strict rules. Diminutives are not used creatively. For example, an ambulance paramedic is called an ambo, never ambie, or amba. Some diminutives are almost always used in preference to the original form, while others are rarely used or restricted to certain groups or locations. The use of diminutives also evolves over time, with new words coming into use and others falling out of favour. Some diminutives have become so common that the original form has fallen out of common usage. For example, Salvos has begun to replace the name Salvation Army to such an extent that some Australians do not recognise the Salvation Army name. Deli has become so universal that delicatessen is rarely used. Some words, such as ute, from utility vehicle, a car with a tray back, have become universal.

There is common usage of the diminutive forms of people's names; Hargrave → Hargie; Sharon → Shazza; Clark→ Clarky; Wilkinson → Wilko; John → Jonno; David → Davo; Hogan → Hoges; James → Jimmy → Jim → Jimbo; Benjamin → Ben → Benno; Barry → Bazza. This is usually a display of affection and acceptance rather than belittlement.

Organizations and businesses will often embrace the diminutives given to them by Australians, using them in their own advertising and even registering it as a trademark. McDonald's Australia, for example, has registered and uses the name Macca's, rather than the term McDonald's still seen on its restaurants in Australia.

Some diminutives are rarely used, but widely recognised. For example, chalkie means teacher, but most Australians simply call a teacher a teacher.

Diminutives are often used for place names, and are only recognised by people in the local area, for example, cot for Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Parra for Parramatta in Sydney and Broady for Broadmeadows in Melbourne. Even entire cities and States, such as Shepp for the major regional Victorian city of Shepparton or Gong for the New South Wales coastal city/region of Wollongong or Tassie for the state of Tasmania.

Pub and hotel names in particular are often shortened. For example, pubs called the Esplanade Hotel, such as the Esplanade Hotel in St. Kilda, will often be called The Espy.

Purpose and history

The purpose of diminutives in Australian English is not well understood despite being a prominent part of Australian culture. Some research suggests that the use of diminutives serves to make interactions more informal, friendly and relaxed. Linguist Anna Wierzbicka argues that Australians' use of diminutives reflects Australian cultural values of mateship, friendliness, informality, and solidarity, while downplaying formality and avoiding bragging associated with tall poppy syndrome.

Records of the use of diminutives in Australian English date back to the 1800s. Older Australians tend to prefer diminutives with endings such as '-o' in smoko (a work rest break); however, younger Australians have begun to use endings such as -s as seen in totes (totally).

List of diminutives

This list contains noteworthy and commonly understood diminutives from Australian English.

Those marked ‡ are also common in other English dialects.

A

  • Abo or (more commonly) Abbo, an indigenous Australian. From Aboriginal. Considered offensive.
  • Acca Dacca, rock band AC/DC
  • Aggro, aggressive, aggravated or angry
  • Albo, Anthony Albanese, 31st prime minister of Australia
  • Alco or (less commonly) ‡Alkie, an alcoholic
  • Ambo, an ambulance paramedic
  • Apo or ape-o, from apeshit, meaning very angry or excited
  • Arvo or (less commonly) Arvie, afternoon
  • Avo, avocado
  • Aussie, Australian

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B

  • Barbie, a barbecue, the cooking apparatus itself or the event of cooking food on a barbecue
  • Barnesy, Australian singer Jimmy Barnes
  • Barra, a barramundi, or the Ford Barra engine built by Ford Australia
  • Beauty, beaut, or bewdy, beautiful. Used in a much wider sense than the beauty, e.g. fantastic or excellent.
  • Bickie, biccy or bikkie, a biscuit
  • Bidgie, the Murrumbidgee River
  • Bikie, a member of a motorcycle club, with a connotation of involvement in criminal activity. This is equivalent to biker in other forms of English. A motorcycle club is called a bikie club. Outlaw motorcycle clubs may also be called bikie gangs.
  • Blowie, a blowfly. A large buzzing fly common in Australia.
  • Blowy, fellatio, short for blow job.
  • Bluey, a blue heeler
  • Blotto, drunk
  • Bolshie, from Bolshevik, meaning of a person or attitude, deliberately combative or uncooperative.
  • Bookie, a bookmaker
  • Boardies, boardshorts, worn by surfers
  • Bottle-oh, (historical) a mobile bottle collector (for return and re-use)
  • Bottle-o, a bottle shop or alcohol store
  • Bowlo, a lawn bowls clubhouse
  • Brekkie or Brekky, breakfast
  • Brissy (alternate spellings Brizzy, Brissie or Brizzie), Brisbane, the capital of Queensland.
  • Brickie, a bricklayer
  • Broadie or Broady, Broadmeadows in Victoria, Broadbeach in Queensland
  • Brushie, a brushtail possum
  • Bub, baby, as in "mum and bub"
  • Budgie, a budgerigar, a parakeet. Male swimming briefs are called budgie smugglers.
  • Bundy, the city of Bundaberg, Queensland, or the Bundaberg Rum beverage
  • Bunners, the Bunnings chain of hardware stores, or the city of Bunbury, Western Australia
  • Bushie, a bushranger, one who is competent to live away from civilization (from bushman)
  • Busso, the town of Busselton, Western Australia

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C

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D

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E

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F

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G

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H

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I

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J

  • Jocks, men's briefs (underwear), esp. in phrase "socks and jocks"; from the brand name "Jockey"
  • Journo, a journalist
  • Jindy, short for Jindabyne

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K

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L

  • Landy, a Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover automobile
  • Lebo, or Leb, for Middle Eastern immigrant, specifically from Lebanon, sometimes pejorative.
  • Lecky, electrical, as in "lecky tape" (Electrical tape)
  • Leftie, a person with left wing views; a left-handed person
  • Lesbo or lezzo, a lesbian (offensive)
  • Liftie, a ski lift operator
  • Limey, a person from the UK, prominently English (Not offensive but unfriendly)
  • Lippy, a lipstick
  • Lappy, a laptop computer
  • Locko, covid lockdown or isolation
  • Lonny, Point Lonsdale, Victoria
  • Lotto, the lottery

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M

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N

  • Nasho, a conscript in the army. Derived from national service. Used especially around the Vietnam war. In the Army it was used in a derogatory sense. The term has fallen out of use as conscription in Australia ended in the 1970s. Common use is now Nationality
  • Newie or Newy, Newcastle
  • Nibblies, small portions of food nibbled on at parties

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O

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P

  • Parra, Parramatta
  • Parma, Parmi or Parmy, chicken parmigiana, a pub food staple
  • Paro or ‡Para, Paranoid. Also, extremely drunk (from paralytic).
  • Pav, pavlova
  • Penno, Pennant Hills
  • Physio, physiotherapy or physiotherapist
  • Pinky, a young, hairless brushtail possum that still resides in its marsupial mother's pouch, newborn rats and mice
  • Pokey, pokies, (mostly as plural), a poker machine
  • Pollie, a politician
  • Pommie (adjective or noun), English or English person (may be derogatory) also Pom (noun)
  • Postie, a postman or postwoman
  • Povvo or Pov, a poor or cheap person. From poverty
  • Preggo or ‡preggers, pregnant
  • Prezzies, gifts, presents; use widespread outside Australia
  • Probs, probably, also used for problem in the phrase "no probs"
  • Prozzies, prostitutes
  • Pushie, pushbike, a bicycle

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Q

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R

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S

  • Saltie, a saltwater crocodile
  • Salvos, Salvation Army. The term is used officially by the Salvation Army in Australia.
  • Sanga or Sanger, a sandwich. Originally sango, but evolved to its current form by the 1960s.
  • Sanny, hand sanitiser
  • Sav, saveloy, especially battered sav, a showtime treat
  • Savvy B, Sauvignon Blanc wine
  • Scratchie, a lottery ticket
  • ScoMo, Scott Morrison, 30th prime minister of Australia
  • Scrooge or screwge, a screwdriver
  • Selfie, a self-shot photograph. This term originated in Australia and has been adopted worldwide via the internet. It became The Oxford Dictionary's 2013 word of the year.
  • Semi, a semi-trailer truck, also a semi-final
  • Seppo, a pejorative term for an American. Seppo is a diminutive of septic tank which is in turn rhyming slang for yank, which is a diminutive of yankee.
  • Servo, a petrol station, service station
  • Sheppo, the Victorian regional city of Shepparton.
  • Shoey, the act of drinking from shoes, typically alcoholic beverages
  • Shottie, a shotgun; also the act of riding in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, sometimes announced as "I call shotgun/shottie", to indicate that a person has claimed this seat. Can also refer to the carb hole in a bong.
  • Sickie, a sick day, often with a connotation of there being insufficient medical reason for missing work
  • Sicko, a psychology disturbed person, or someone who may be fanatically into horror movies
  • Smoko, a smoking break while at work. Since smoking has been banned in many workplaces, a smoko has come to mean any rest break at work.
  • Snag, Sausage
  • Sparkie or Sparky, an electrician. From sparking, electric arcing
  • Spenny, expensive
  • Stezza, a stereo playback system such as with home audio or vehicle audio
  • Straya, short for Australia
  • Stubby or Stubbie, a small, wide bottle of beer
  • Subbie, a subcontractor
  • Subi or Subie, a Subaru car, or the suburb of Subiaco, Western Australia
  • Sunnies, sunglasses
  • Surfie, a surfer
  • Susso, from sustenance payments, a form of welfare during the Great Depression in the form of food coupons. The word has fallen out of use.
  • Suss, suspicious.
  • Swaggie, a swagman

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T

  • Tanty, a tantrum
  • Tassie, Tazzy or Taz, Tasmania or Tasmanian
  • Techo, technician, technical (adjective)
  • Tellie or telly, a television
  • Tinnie, historically referred to a beverage can (usually a beer can) but today generally refers to an aluminium flat-bottomed boat. From tin can
  • Tonguey, to French kiss
  • Toonie, Toongabbie, a historic suburb in Western Sydney
  • Towie, tow truck or a tow truck driver
  • Townie, a townsperson; in contrast to bushie, a bushman
  • Trackies, track pants or a tracksuit. Track pants are also known as "trackie dacks", with "dacks" being a colloquial term for trousers.
  • Tradie, a tradesperson
  • Traino, a train station
  • Trannie or tranny, a car's transmission, or an electrical transformer, or an offensive word for a transgender person; also outdated slang for a transistor radio
  • Treadlie or treadly, a bicycle
  • Troppo, from "tropics" as in "gone troppo", unhinged mentally (orig. army slang)
  • Truckie, a truck driver
  • Turps, alcohol, from turpentine, a toxic solvent historically used to adulterate gin. Usually used to say a person is "on the turps" (drinking heavily).
  • Typo, a typographic error

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U

  • U-ey ,U'ie (you-eee), as in "Chuck a u-ey" — to perform a U-turn (when driving a vehicle)
  • Umpie or Ump, an umpire at a sporting game
  • Undies, underwear. This word is used widely outside Australian English.
  • Uni, university
  • Ute, an abbreviation of "utility"; a passenger vehicle with a cargo tray in the rear. Festivals that involve gatherings of utes are popular in rural areas and are called ute musters.

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V

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W

  • Westie, resident of a western suburb (several capital cities)
  • Wharfie, a docks worker
  • Wheelie, several car and bike manoeuvres — wheelstand or wheelspin; meaning found from context
  • Winnie or Winnies, the Winfield brand of cigarettes, esp. "Winnie Blue", a low-tar variety
  • Wino, an alcoholic who subsists on cheap, probably fortified, wine
  • Wobbly, a tantrum
  • Wombie or womby, a wombat, also slang for feces
  • Woolies, Woolworths supermarkets
  • Woollies, especially Winter woollies, woollen garments
  • Wristy or wristie, a handjob

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See also

References

  1. ^ Luu, Chi. "Small Poppy Syndrome: Why are Australians so Obsessed With Nicknaming Things?". JStor. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  2. ^ Sussex, Roland. 2004. Abstand, Ausbau, Creativity and Ludicity in Australian English. Australian Journal of Linguistics 24(1). 3-19.
  3. ^ Nunn, Gary (May 27, 2015). "Australian slang is not dying, it's making its way up in the world". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  4. ^ "Why we shorten barbie, footy and arvo". australiangeographic.com.au. 2 August 2010.
  5. "A word in your ear: Diminutives". abc.net.au.
  6. ^ Gamble, Beau. "Aussie slang: why we shorten words". Australian Geographic.
  7. "Transcript". latrobe.edu.au.
  8. "Aussies diminutives". ABC Sydney. Archived from the original on 2014-10-20. Retrieved 2014-10-15.
  9. Frank, Alex (28 December 2016). "What people call McDonald's in 10 countries around the world". Business Insider.
  10. O'Connell, Jan (29 September 2010). "Australian food history timeline - McDonald's becomes Macca's". Australian Food Timeline.
  11. Paine, Hanna (19 October 2021). "Drive-thru tell-all: Kiwi Macca's worker reveals what they can hear". NZ Herald.
  12. Zhang, Zhe; Patrick, Vanessa M. (1 April 2018). "Call Me Rollie! The Role of Brand Nicknames in Shaping Consumer-Brand Relationships". Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. 3 (2): 149. doi:10.1086/697074. ISSN 2378-1815. S2CID 149015566.
  13. "The Espy Story". hotelesplanade.com.au.
  14. "A famous Sydney restaurant has been forced to change its menu, with a breakfast item named after a derogatory term used to refer to Aboriginal children". Retrieved 2020-01-04.
  15. "'Abo' is not just an abbreviation of 'Aboriginal'". 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2020-01-04.
  16. ^ The Australian National Dictionary. Oxford University Press. 1988.
  17. ^ "Australian Word Map - Riverina". Macquarie Dictionary.
  18. ^ "Australian National Dictionary Centre". ANU School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics.
  19. Nikki Black. "How to give a good blow job". New Idea.
  20. "BOOKIE | Definition of BOOKIE by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of BOOKIE". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021.
  21. "Brickie definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary". www.collinsdictionary.com.
  22. "DOCO | Definition of DOCO by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of DOCO". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021.
  23. ^ School, Head of. "Australian National Dictionary Centre". ANU School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics. Retrieved 2020-05-07.
  24. "GARBO | Definition of GARBO by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of GARBO". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021.
  25. "Definition of greenie | Dictionary.com". www.dictionary.com.
  26. "Iso named 2020's word of the year by Australian National Dictionary Centre". the Guardian. 2020-11-16. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
  27. "JOURNO | Definition of JOURNO by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of JOURNO". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021.
  28. "Lecky's Electrical & Data".
  29. "Lotteries Commission Act 1990" (PDF). legislation.wa.gov.au/.
  30. "McDonald's to become 'Macca's' in Australia". 8 January 2013. Archived from the original on 9 January 2013.
  31. Garone, Adam (November 2011). "Healthier men, one moustache at a time" (Video with transcript). TED.com. TED Conferences, LLC. Retrieved 2 November 2014. So in Australia, 'mo' is slang for mustache, so we renamed the month of November 'Movember'.
  32. "THE TALE OF THE MURBAH SWAMP BEER". Stone and Wood. 27 February 2017.
  33. "Crittle set to tackle Murbah" by Jamie Gallagher and Geoff Campbell, Tweed Daily News (15 December 2009)
  34. Happy Feraren. "No 'nibblies': three rules for surviving Australia's party-snack culture". The Guardian.
  35. "ROO | Definition of ROO by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of ROO". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021.
  36. "Saltie definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary". www.collinsdictionary.com.
  37. Australia, The Salvation Army. "The Salvation Army Australia | Hope where it's needed most". www.salvationarmy.org.au.
  38. "Australian Word Map". Macquarie Dictionary.
  39. "What are scratchies and how do scratchies work?". ozlotteries.com/.
  40. "A brief history of the selfie". abc.net.au. 12 August 2014.
  41. "Selfie: Australian slang term named international word of the year". The Guardian. 19 November 2013.
  42. The Australian Tobacco Timeline Archived 2009-10-24 at the Wayback Machine, University of Sydney
  43. Glossary of common industrial relations terms Archived 2010-03-28 at the Wayback Machine, Department of Employment and Industrial Relations (Queensland)
  44. "Definition of surfie | Dictionary.com". www.dictionary.com.
  45. "Definition of truckie | Dictionary.com". www.dictionary.com.
  46. Smith, Tom (19 July 2018). "15 Australian Slang Words to Help You Speak Like a Local". Culture Trip.
  47. "Definition of undies | Dictionary.com". www.dictionary.com.
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