Oz Talk vs. Canuck Speak
Translating Australian Slang for North Americans
Though we share English as our primary language, speaking to an Australian might bring up many confusing slang words. Learn what they mean.
What's the Canadian equivalent of a bogan? Why does the term "fanny pack" make Australians giggle? When you are travelling down under, you may run into a few unfamiliar words and terms. If you don’t want to look like a tourist, familiarize yourself with these Australianisms before your trip.
Shopping
If you’re looking for bargains on a shopping trip in Australia, check out the op shops (thrift stores) where you’ll find great second-hand items like a unique jumper (sweater).
Need something to settle your stomach? Stop by the chemist (pharmacy) to pick up your medicine, and then drop in to the milk bar (grocery or corner store) to get what you need for dinner.
Entertain yourself with a magazine purchased from the newsagent (newsstand) or hire (rent) a video.
Around the House
When you get back to your temporary down under home, you could choose to veg in front of the TV watching film clips (music videos) in the lounge room (living room) or you could take some time to take in the washing (laundry) and empty the bins (garbage cans). Don’t forget, you’ll have to flip the light switches down to turn the lights on and up to turn them off. If you get bored, you can ring (call) a friend on your mobile (cell) and head out on the town.
Out and About
If you’re going to be driving during your Australian getaway, don’t forget to keep to the left side of the road instead of the right as in Canada. Be sure to keep your windscreen (windshield) clean and obey signs such as “Keep to Left Expect When Overtaking (passing).” As you pass the paddocks (fields), perhaps you’ll see a UT or Utility Vehicle, referred to in Canada as a cruck. As the story goes this half car, half truck was invented when a farmer told the Ford company in Geelong that he wanted a vehicle suitable for taking his wife to church and the sheep to the market, the truck being not quite civilized enough for church and the car not suitable for taking sheep anywhere.
If you’re going on a camping trip, you’ll want to take a caravan (camper or trailer) to keep out the mozzies (mosquitoes). Don’t forget to pack your torch (flashlight).
Perhaps you’d like to take a tram (streetcar) down to the beach where you can change into your bathers (bathing suit) and enjoy some sun baking (sun bathing). The lifesaver (lifeguard) will keep an eye on you once you’ve followed the footpaths (sidewalks) to the beach.
Whatever you do, don’t refer to your waist pouch as a fanny pack, since fanny is a semi-polite word for vagina down under. They call them bum bags instead.
Education
If you’re chatting up a cute guy, ask him what they are taking at uni since Australians can’t be bothered to say the entire, long word university. They say can’t be bothered quite a bit too. Perhaps they’ll reminisce with you about their primary (elementary) school days or tell you what they were like in year (grade) 12.
Eating
You might have to ask for specifics when an Aussie asks you out for tea, since the word refers to both the drink and the evening meal (supper). Maybe they’ll suggest getting some take away (take out) from Hungry Jack’s (Burger King). They might ask if you prefer tomato sauce (ketchup) on your chips (fries). Have some lollies (candies) for dessert. Sultanas (raisins) make a good snack.
Slang Insults
Do you suspect some bogan (redneck or hoser) has nicked (stole) your wallet? Don’t be like others who have cracked it (lost it) in response to this dodgy (suspicious or underhanded) situation. You’ll probably come across it when you’re just stuffing (messing) around. Or maybe you haven’t got Buckley’s (even a small chance) of finding it.
