How to Interpret Australian Slang

Aussie slang

Australian slang, or “strine,” has developed over the years to become a language in itself. It has even been codified (recorded officially). The most obvious way to interpreting it is to realize that Australians abbreviate most words that have more than one syllable. Another way is more poetic; Aussies use metaphor to evoke an image that is humorous as well as self-explanatory. A third way to interpret "strine" is recognizing that Australians use rhyming slang.

Instructions

1. Abbreviate. The word “university” has four syllables and this is much too long for the average Aussie so it becomes “uni.” You can discern it in conversation by placing it into context. If an Aussie says “I got a science degree at uni,” you will know that they mean “university.”

2. Check out another example of abbreviation. “The protestors were rallying at the demo.” This is the Australian form of “demonstration.”

3. Chop off the end of a word and you will likely get an Australian slang word. If an Australian tells you that something is “suss,” then he means that it is of questionable value, or "suspect" or "suspicious." Or an Aussie will suss something out, which means checking it to see if it checks out okay.

4. Move on to the Aussie expressions. These are turns of phrase meant to evoke an image that generally show the expressions meaning. Aussies will say, “having a bash” at something. This means that they will have a go or try at something. Australians say, “Don’t come the raw prawn” when warning someone off who is making unrealistic demands. This can be interpreted by understanding the imagery of the phrase; who wants a raw prawn (shrimp)?

5. Continue to interpret the image. If someone “has a few kangaroos (or “roos”) loose in the top paddock,” it means that they are a bit wacky, weird or strange acting. When an Aussie tells you to “pull your head in,” he means you have made an unbelievable suggestion and you should be silent.

6. Figure this one out. If an Australian tells you that “Bob’s your uncle,”, it doesn’t mean that Robert is your father’s brother, but that everything will be all right. This was originally a British term, referring to Bob Salisbury, uncle of the Prime Minister Balfour 1902-05, and has been adopted into Australian vernacular.

7. Rhyme it; don’t say it. Australians also use rhyming slang and the key to understanding it is to work it out from the context. “I have to go home to my trouble and strife,” means, “I have to go home to my wife.” “Get your plates of meat off the table,” means “Get your feet off the table”. To hit the “frog and toad” means to hit the road, and to have a “Captain Cook” means to have a look.

Tips & Warnings

• Aussie slang can usually be interpreted from the context.

• Don't worry about misinterpreting. Any Aussie will tell you, "No worries, mate."

Resources

• Australian Government Culture and Recreation Portal (Australian slang)
• Aussie Slang dictionary search
• Koala Net (Aussie slang dictionary)