Outdated Australian Slang for Visitors to Avoid

Worst Tourist Mistakes in Aussie Slang and Australian Pronunciation

Jul 19, 2009

Many tourists try to adopt a few Aussie slang terms when they talk to the locals. Sadly, the common mistakes they make can alienate rather than endear. What not to do!

Australians are known for their curious corruptions of standard English and for sprinkling their conversation liberally with slang terms. Tourists often try to adopt expressions they have heard on TV or in old movies or books, when they meet up with locals, believing they are immersed in the Aussie culture and showing their 'know-how'. All to often, their efforts are disastrous, as so many old slang terms have fallen into disuse. It is the equivalent of a visitor to the US, trying to impress locals by calling them 'Hep Cats' or asking to visit a 'speakeasy.'

As well, visitors frequently mis-pronounce the names of key cities. The few hints below should help visitors avoid the worst faux pax.

Pronunciation of Names of Australian CitiesMany visitors pronounce Melbourne with a heavy emphasis on the last syllable. Listen to the way Aussies pronounce it. The emphasis is on the opening syllable and the second syllable is largely 'swallowed'. The word ends up sounding like MELL- bn.

Similarly, Brisbane is not pronounced Bris- BANE. The correct emphasis is on the first syllable and, again, the final syllable is almost discarded. Thus, BRIS -bn. It is frequently shortened to the affectionate 'Brissie.'

Australians, of course, regularly refer to themselves as Aussies. They are happy when visitors use the term, but, once again, it is often mis-pronounced. Citizens of the US usually pronounce it as OSSie, using a sibilant 'S'. The standard pronunciation is with a heavy 'Z' sound – thus, Ozzie.

Outdated Australian Slang TermsAs a greeting, 'Mate' is still safe and widely used. Even to stop a stranger and ask for directions, it is quite appropriate to commence with: 'Excuse me, Mate.' Words for friend that have long departed are 'Cobber','Sport' and 'China' [rhyming slang: china plate for mate] and However, the American term 'Buddy' is also best avoided, as it is often associated with aggression. 'Listen, Buddy' is never used to open a polite conversation. The word 'shiela' for girl is still heard on odd occasions, but has taken a battering for being sexist.

Despite the fact that showman extraordinaire, the late Steve Erwin, tried to revive the term, 'Crikey!', expressing surprise, is rarely heard, except maybe in the bush. Similarly, it is rare to hear 'Stone the crows!', made popular in the 1940s by actor Chips Rafferty.

The term 'Jumbuck' for a sheep was not widely used, even in the 19th century, when it first came to public attention in the popular song 'Waltzing Matilda'. For a translation of the words of this famous Aussie song, visit this Suite101 article.Today, the term 'jumbuck' just isn't used at all.

Misconceptions Fostered by TV CommercialsThe attempt to render ads for Australian products for a US market has resulted in some widely believed misconceptions. The expression 'Throw another shrimp on the Barbie' is a prime example. Barbie is certainly a term used in Australia for BBQ, but the word shrimp refers to a very small crustacean. The large pink version is called a prawn, and the even bigger, most popular,one is the king prawn, sometimes referred to specifically by type as banana prawn or tiger prawn.

What is even worse is that the prawn was never popularly thrown on a BBQ. Australians value the succulent beast too highly as a cold treat to waste it on a BBQ plate. The popular BBQ foods, as in most countries, are sausages (often referred to as 'snags'), lamb chops and steaks.

A further misconception fostered by US commercials was that Foster's Lager was the universal Australian choice for beer. It was far from true.

Most people know that the term 'rubber' in Australia refers to an eraser, not a condom, and that 'thongs' refer to rubber footwear (flip flops) rather than brief underwear.

Australia, though far removed from the US, UK and Europe, is a fabulous place to visit and all states have something to offer. Australians are, by and large, extremely friendly, so a few gaffes will be overlooked or laughed away . Nevertheless, why make blunders when it's unnecessary? To learn some appropriate and useful eAussie slang, try thisSuite101 article.

The copyright of the article Outdated Australian Slang for Visitors to Avoid in Australia Travel is owned by James Parsons. Permission to republish Outdated Australian Slang for Visitors to Avoid in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.