Australian English

When you come to Australia you will fast discover they have a certain way of saying things that sound English but are really a unique home grown version of the language. Often you might find yourself saying “Can you repeat that”? So for my USA friends and other English speakers here’s is a list of useful expressions you ought to learn before you arrive here.

Good on ya! – well done; good stuff

You little ripper/You little beauty – that’s terrific; how excellent

To crack onto somebody –  to try to kiss someone; to try to pick someone up

Having a whinge –  to complain

Pom – a derogatory word for a British person

It’s chockers in here – it’s crowded in here

Crack open a tinny – to open a can of beer

Arvo – the afternoon

Mozzie – a mosquito

Brekky/brekkie – breakfast

Thong – flip flops; sandals

Sunnies — sunglasses

Budgie smugglers — Speedos, a rather revealing kind of swim suit

Brolly — umbrella