25 Words I’ve Heard Australian’s Shorten

I’m sure we’re all guilty of shortening words on occasion. I know I do it, and where I’m from, some words are shortened so badly, it doesn’t even resemble the original word!

Australian’s are really good at it. Really, good at it.

For example, you’ve all heard of the term ‘Aussies’ I assume? Well, that’s just an appetiser. Below are some of the best ones I’ve heard while I’ve been here….brace yourself if you’re not Australian!

Abos - referring to Aboriginal people (usual derogatory, so usage is not advised).

Ambos - referring to ambulance drivers.

Barbie - a Barbecue, (and no, I’ve never heard an Australian say, ‘throw another shrimp on the barbie‘. They’re more likely to ask for a ’snag’).

Beaut - beautiful.

Blowies - annoying flies, that are more prevalent in spring, and can cause great discomfort and death to sheep, if they’re not treated.

Chook - a chicken.

Classies - when I emailed asking about the classified ads on local television, this is what the girl called them.

Esky - an insulated cooling box for food and drinks, I’m assuming has something to do with the idea of Eskimo’s.

Firies - referring to fire fighters

Garbo - a garbage collector.

G’day - Good day.

Maccas - McDonalds restaurant.

Mozzies - This is probably the first one I remember hearing, and asking what it meant, which of course is, mosquitoes.

Postie - a postman.

Rellies - the guide for the caves I visited in Tasmania, used this to refer to her relatives.

Roo - a Kangaroo, obviously.

Salvos - the Salvation Army, usually referring to the charity shop.

Servo - a service/petrol station.

Sidies - what a hairdresser said, when referring to my sideburns.

Smoko - any break time taken during working hours, probably taken from ’smoke break’.

Sunnies - sunglasses.

Surfies - people who surf a lot.

Tassie - Tasmania.

Ute - Utility vehicle, or what other’s call a pick-up truck.

Vinnies - St. Vincent De Paul’s Charity shop.

So there you have it. I’m sure there are more I’ve heard. Sometimes it takes me a few seconds to realise what has been said, but, I’m constantly listening carefully for more.

Have you got any? Bare in mind, this isn’t all the slang words I’ve heard, just the words which are clearly shortened from the original. I could go on and tell you what it is to be ‘crook’ (or have a ‘wog’), or what you’re supposed to do when told to “BYO”.

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Added Commentary

  • #1 of 12
    By kristarella
    on 30.05.08

    Ah, great list! I love things like this. We are good at that sort of thing. I wrote “sunnies” on my blog a little while ago and someone had to confirm what they were (their guess was right though).

    We had a good time discussing similar things on The Foo Logs.

  • #2 of 12
    By Andrew Parker
    on 30.05.08

    G’Day Cobber,

    How about we boil the Billy have a Cuppa and some Bikkies (and your favourite) some Chokkies. She’ll be Apples.

    Hooroo!

  • Author #3 of 12
    By Armen
    on 30.05.08

    Hey kristarella,
    Yeah. I think it would be impossible to write a comprehensive list, as there are new ones made up all the time.

    I enjoyed reading that article. I’ve been in the States a few times as well, so I’m quite familiar with the different terminology and can quickly use the local term, so that I’m understood. However, for some words I don’t like to change, ie, the definition of ‘football’.

    Andrew,
    lol…..loved this! Very witty of you. Although, I’ve never heard the ‘apple’ saying before.

  • #4 of 12
    By Taleen
    on 31.05.08

    LOL!!!!

    We have BYO…Bring yer own!!!

  • #5 of 12
    By kristarella
    on 31.05.08

    Ah, “she’ll be apples” is a great one! (Means “it’ll be fine”.)
    No idea where it came from though.

  • #6 of 12
    By Jermayn
    on 04.06.08

    Shell be right!
    Shelia
    Bloke
    stubbies (short shorts)

    just to add a few more

  • #7 of 12
    By Glenn
    on 08.06.08

    Strewth!

  • Author #8 of 12
    By Armen
    on 12.06.08

    Thanks for the additions, but I’m not so sure some of them are ’shortened’ versions of something else. Some of them are ’slang’ it seems.

    I heard another one today;
    possie - position

  • #9 of 12
    By Eli
    on 15.06.08

    Yep, a few of these sound very common to me :)

  • #10 of 12
    By Jess
    on 28.08.08

    What about Champers.. Meaning Champagne?

  • #11 of 12
    By Tara
    on 03.11.09

    Oh of course the grog!! Theres a few more!! We’ll go down the pub and have some Bevy’s (Beverages) I might have a Chardie(Chardonnay) and the Hubby will have a Schooey (Schooner)

    Houso’s (People who live in Housing Commision)

  • #12 of 12
    By Shane
    on 04.03.10

    Well stone the crows, yer kiddin me! Nah mate, aint got nuffin to say.

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