Planning a trip Australia? Get fluent in these must-know Aussie slang terms

Australians have always taken pride in giving English a unique Aussie spin. Known for their love of abbreviations, they turn sunglasses into "sunnies," swimsuits into "swimmers," and afternoon into "arvo," among many others. This distinctive slang has not only become a source of online amusement but also a frequent star of TikTok trends and a growing influence in popular culture.

Amanda Laugesen, chief editor of the Australian National Dictionary, through the Australian National University (ANU) told CNN Travel many Aussie expressions have roots in British English, but Australian English has also uniquely incorporated words from the country’s Indigenous languages.

Whether you're applying for citizenship or just planning a visit down under, here are some genuine Aussie expressions you’d be crazy not to know.


Yeah, nah
Australians often use "yeah" as a filler before continuing their thoughts, which can be confusing when trying to determine if they're agreeing or disagreeing. In this context, "yeah, nah" actually means no.

For example, if someone asks, "Are you coming to the beach today?" a response of "Yeah, nah, don't think so" means they are not coming.

The ants’ pants
If someone is described as the "ants' pants," they are considered the best. This phrase is used to signify that something or someone is outstanding.

Woop woop
Australians use the term "woop woop" to describe a location that is extremely distant or remote from their own. It often implies that the place is not only far off but also somewhat backward or isolated.

For example, 'They've moved out to woop woop' means they've relocated to a very remote area.

Calm your farm
Simply: relax. Calm your farm is a way of telling someone to calm down.

Far out
Aussies use this phrase to express frustration at a situation. Sometimes it’s also used as “far out Brussel sprout!”

Have a yarn
A yarn in Australia is another word for a chat. To have a yarn is simply, to have a chat.

A yarn on its own is a story. For example, someone might “have a yarn for you.”

Put a sock in it
Simply, be quiet. But in true Aussie culture, it’s not particularly offensive.

Hard yakka
The Australian National University explains that "yakka" refers to hard work or strenuous labor. This term originates from "yaga," which means "work" in the Yagara language, spoken by the Yagara people in the area around present-day Brisbane.

Flat out like a lizard drinking
Working as hard as you can on a particular job. For example, if someone calls you while you’re at work you might reply with: “Can’t talk, I’m flat out like a lizard drinking.”

Bogan
According to the ANU dictionary, a "bogan" refers to someone considered unsophisticated or lacking in culture. While originally an insult, the term has become more commonly used in neutral or even positive contexts, according to the Australian National Dictionary.