The Vernacular…Down Under

Australian slang originated from a cultural linguistic mix of British and Irish convict speech, and Aboriginal languages that evolved in the late 18th and 19th centuries. There may be some bleed from previous Tartarian realms but that is probably fantasy. Oz speak is an alien language that has developed in isolation much like some exclusive animal species that evolved down there. I had been exposed to Australian language and vernacular, like all ‘up above’ folk, from cliche’ Oz movie and television. The ‘Crocodile Dundee’ franchise or ‘Skippy The Bush Kangaroo’ come to mind. I remember seeing ‘Road Warrior’ for the first time and having to listen real hard to understand the dialogue. Seeing the movie overdubbed in American gangster speak was a hoot.

Here are some samples, some of which I heard used when I visited down there for the first time –

Ace! – excellent!, Ankle biter – small child, Arvo – afternoon, Aussie – Australian, Aussie salute – brushing away flies with the hand, Back of Bourke – a very long way away, Barbie or BBQ – barbecue, Big smoke – a big city, especially Sydney or Melbourne, Bikkie – biscuit, Billabong – an oxbow lake cut off by a change in the river, Bloke – man, guy, Bloody – very (bloody hard yakka), Bloody oath! – that’s certainly true, Blotto – very drunk, Fair dinkum – true, genuine, Fair go – a chance, Fair shake of the sauce bottle – taking your fair share or having a fair go, Fella – man, Flat stick or flat chat – very busy, Footy – Australian Rules football (AFL), Furphy – false or unreliable rumour, G’Day – hello!, Galah – fool, silly person (also the proper name for a type of bird), Give it a burl – try it, have a go, Good onya – good for you, well done, Knock – to criticise, Knock back – refusal, Larrikin – a person who is always enjoying himself, harmless prankster, Lollies – sweets, candy, Mate – catch-all term for referring to friends or others. And importantly, sometimes not in a friendly way!, Moolah – money, Mozzie – mosquito, No worries or no drama! – expression of forgiveness or reassurance, Old mate – a friend or person you are referring to. Sometimes not a mate at all., Outback – the remote and less populated inland districts of Australia, Oz – Australia, Pash – a long passionate kiss, Postie – postman, mailman, Pozzy – position, Prezzy – present, gift, Quid (make a quid) – money (earn a living), Rack off – push off! Get lost!, Rapt – pleased, delighted, Ratbag – mild insult, Reckon! – you bet! Absolutely!, Rip snorter – great, fantastic, “it was a rip snorter of a party”, Ripper – great, fantastic, Walkabout (it’s gone walkabout) – it’s lost, can’t be found, Sunnies – sunglasses, Surfies – people who go surfing, Swag – rolled up bedding, Tall poppies – successful people, Tea – supper or dinner, Tee-up – to set up, Thongs – cheap rubber backless sandals, Togs – swim suit, Too right! – definitely!, True blue – patriotic, Tucker – food, Whacker, whacka – idiot, Whinge – complain, Yakka – work, often combined with hard (hard yakka)

Here are some samples of Oz vernacular –

Dogs Breakfast – a mess, Busier than a one toothed man in a corn on the cob eating contest – extremely busy, Mad Rooter – someone who loves sex, Shocker – someone who’s having a bad day, Skippy – an Australian, Yank – an American, Sheep Shagger – a New Zealander, Jesus Bars – those handles that you hang off that are placed above the doors of your car on the inside. Needed if you’re in the car with a bad driver

Some insults –

“He couldn’t organise a piss-up in a brewery.” – A classic insult implying someone is utterly disorganized.

“You absolute plonker.” – A humorous yet cutting way to dismiss someone, especially in a friendly roast.

“You’re as useful as a screen door on a submarine.” – A witty jab at someone’s incompetence.

“You’re not even a real Australian.” – Used ironically, often to mock someone who’s overly boastful or pretentious.

“You’re as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” – means someone is completely useless.

You were kissed on the dick by a fairy at birth” – said to someone who’s unusually lucky. 

“You’re a dog” – a highly offensive term implying someone is subhuman or despicable.

“You’re a cunt! – a versatile insult, ranging from derogatory to affectionate depending on tone. 

So…if you’ve never been –

Welcome to Port Buggerall.

Fuck me dead you budgie smuggler wearing bludger. You bogan. You bloody shiela hating chook choker. You’re some mongrel. Up yourself galah. You look like a cross between a half suckled mango and a dropped meat pie. Pull your head in and spit that dummy you