Thanks to having close Australian friends for many years, I was able to learn more about their culture and jargon. I applied some of the terms I learned on my two week trip Down Under and received many confusing looks. While I nailed the slang, my accent was starkly American. Many then thought that I lived in Australia for many years. Therefore I'm credible enough pass on my wealth of Australian knowledge. This list of 14 Aussie terms will make your trip smoother and allow you to escape from being perceived as a tourist.
1. Arvo
While the term does mean afternoon, it isn't used in the same greeting as "Good afternoon". People certainly use as a reference for time such as "I'll see you tomorrow arvo."
2. Brekkies
My favorite meal of the day: breakfast. (Side note: Australia is amazing at making breakfast and brunch look aesthetically pleasing.)
3. Bubbler
According to one friend’s testimony, water fountains are called this because they bubble. I have yet to notice when one actually bubbles, but Wikipedia understands the term when I type it up.
4. Can’t be bothered
The phrase itself uses minimal effort to express minimal effort. It's to be used when you don't want to do something.
5. Coriander
It's the friendly neighborhood green herb: cilantro.
6. Cuppa
It translates to a cup of (usually) hot beverage. "Hello, may I have a cuppa coffee with two sugars?"
7. Fairy floss
Not sure how fairies are involved, it makes cotton candy sound more magical.
8. Footy
Two words: Australian football.
9. Hungry Jack's
This is the Australian version of Burger King. Not sure why they changed the name even though pretty much everything, including the menu, is identical.
10. Maccas
The faster way of saying McDonald's.
11. Munted
This term indicates that a person is intoxicated beyond the point of respectable social levels.
12. Rubbish
You'll encounter this phrase more in Airbnb descriptions. It refers to trash.
13. Takeaway
"For here or takeaway?" If you're in touristy areas, most people will understand when you respond with "to go". But for the sake of convenience I recommend saying "takeaway" instead.
14. Topping up
This is most frequently used with transport cards and cell phone plans. It means to add money onto your card or account.
