23 Expressions From Down Under To Learn For #AustraliaDay
Whether it’s through "Crocodile" Dundee, those annoying Outback commercials or our own travels, we’ve all heard about Australia -- that place way out by the Great Barrier Reef that’s near-impossible to get to.
But the country is more than just kangaroos, vegemite and shrimp on a barbie.
Rather, this continent-that’s-also-a-country is timelessly fascinating, complex and brimming with natural splendor.
So to celebrate all that’s great about being Australian, we’ve rounded up a list of some of our favorite expressions from Down Under just in time for #AusDay.
1. G’day
The most classic of Aussie slang, where “good” and “day” geniusly become one.
2. Mates
Mating isn’t just for the Discovery channel, at least not anymore.
3. Good on ya
A sort of catch-all phrase of thanks that can mean “good job,” “really?!” or “congratulations.”
It can also be used in times of sarcasm.
4. Budgy smugglers
What some might call a Speedo or banana hammock, the Australians have brilliantly renamed a “budgy smuggler,” a form of skimpy male beachwear that conceals nothing but your butt crack.
5. Taking a sickie
Because calling it “playing hooky” just sounds so much less legit.
6. Acting like a wanker
A general insult to someone who possesses a lack of humility, synonymous with “jerk.”
7. Bogan
A pejorative or self-depricating term used to describe someone who’s considered “white trash.” These people typically have an affinity for the mullet hairstyle, bad teeth and uncivilized behavior.
8. Having a whinge
A bitch session.
9. Knackered
You know that feeling where you could sleep standing up because you’re so exhausted? Yeah, this.
10. Fair dinkum
“For reals?” One of the most commonly used Australian expressions, it’s a phrase that even former president, George W. Bush and actor Paul Hogan have used.
Just be careful about saying it during a Delta flight.
11. Cross as a frog in a sock
Read: This person is angry AF. If you were a frog and you were captured in a sock, you wouldn’t be too happy either, right?
12. Handy as an ashtray on a motorbike
This person is useless.
13. Crikey
An Australian exclamation of surprise or bewilderment made famous by the late, great crocodile hugger, Steve Erwin.
Interchangeable with expressions like "blimey" or "holy sh*t."
14. Brekky
Because “breakfast” is just too hard to say before you’ve had your coffee.
15. Pash-rash
A skin irritation caused by an intense makeout sesh with someone who has a bit of stubble.
16. Mucking around
Say this and we know you’re about to get into some real trouble … er … we mean fun.
17. Rellies
Since America has an obsession with shortening things that really don’t need to be shortened (take fave, def, probs, etc.), it’s a wonder why we haven’t already adopted this Australian word, short for relatives.
So presh.
18. Knock up
Also known as “wake up.”
This sure brings a new meaning to the phrase, “I’m going to knock you up.”
19. What’s the John Dory?
John Dory is a fish found in Sydney Harbour that also just so happens to rhyme with “story.”
So, when people want to know what’s up, they ask what the John Dory is.
20. Shag on a rock
Contrary to what you might think, it’s not an act of passion on a hard surface.
Rather, a shag is a type of bird (or at least it was before "Austin Powers"), and this expression usually means that you’re feeling lonely or exposed to the world.
21. Siphon the python
I’ll bet, when given the context of a male in a bathroom, you can guess what this means
22. Thongs
Aussies are seldom without their thongs -- no, not THOSE thongs.
The thongs you wear on your feet.
23. Aussie
Some of the kindest, most genuine people you will ever meet!
