{"id":23458,"date":"2024-01-15T10:18:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T02:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&p=23458"},"modified":"2025-11-19T14:43:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T06:43:47","slug":"from-avo-to-arvo-the-ultimate-guide-to-aussie-slang","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/from-avo-to-arvo-the-ultimate-guide-to-aussie-slang\/","title":{"rendered":"From avo to arvo: the ultimate guide to Aussie slang\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If there\u2019s one thing Australians love, it\u2019s giving the English language a unique antipodean twist. Aussie slang \u2013 colloquialisms unique to Australia and its states \u2013 makes conversation colourful. However, it can also be confusing for international students.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, we\u2019ve put together a guide of some common words to help you build your confidence with Aussie slang.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aussie slang: understanding the basics<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Australian slang, you\u2019ll often see and hear people shortening words or adding \u2018o\u2019 and \u2018ee\u2019 sounds at the end of them, such as \u2018rello\u2019 for relative or \u2018postie\u2019 for a postal worker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the meanings of some Australian slang terms can come as a real surprise. Did you know that goodbye in Australian slang is \u2018hooroo\u2019 and toilet is \u2018dunny\u2019? Well, now you do!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Aussie slang terms you need to know<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

General<\/strong>  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arvo: <\/strong>afternoon <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you at the lecture tomorrow arvo.\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathers: <\/strong>swimsuit <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf we\u2019re going to the beach, I need to pack my bathers.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chockers: <\/strong>full or crowded  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe bar was chockers when we arrived! We couldn\u2019t find a seat.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full-on: <\/strong>intense or extreme <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFootball training was full-on this week.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heaps:<\/strong> a large amount <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did heaps of revision for this exam.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No worries:<\/strong> it\u2019s okay\/no problem <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMay I borrow a pen?\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, no worries!\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Servo:<\/strong> a service station or petrol station <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can buy some snacks from the servo.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019ll be right: <\/strong>it will be okay <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t stress <\/em>\u2013 she\u2019ll be right!\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shout:<\/strong> to pay for someone\u2019s food or drink <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou bought my drink earlier, so this one is my shout.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food and drink<\/strong>  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Avo:<\/strong> avocado <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAussies love avo on toast.\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbie:<\/strong> barbecue <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget Matt is hosting a barbie at his house this weekend.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bikkie:<\/strong> biscuit <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s buy some bikkies for the picnic.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brekkie: <\/strong>breakfast <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrekkie is the most important meal of the day.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chokkie: <\/strong>chocolate <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you like something sweet? We have some chokkie in the fridge.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cuppa: <\/strong>a cup of a hot drink <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you like a cuppa?\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Esky:<\/strong> ice cooler  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d like to keep your drinks cold, you can put them in the esky.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanga:<\/strong> sandwich <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve packed a sanga for lunch.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotions and states of being<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Crook: <\/strong>sick or ill <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be in class today; I\u2019m too crook.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devo:<\/strong> devastated <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was devo when I missed the train.\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stoked: <\/strong>very happy\/excited <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m so stoked to go to the beach this weekend.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Academia <\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

D:<\/strong> distinction <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HD: <\/strong>high distinction <\/p>\n\n\n\n

P: <\/strong>pass <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGrades for this course range from P, to D, to HD.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workplace<\/strong>  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Call it a day: <\/strong>to finish what you are doing <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s log off and call it a day.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sickie: <\/strong>a day off work because of sickness <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not feeling well. I think I need to have a sickie tomorrow.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Squiz: <\/strong>to take a look or investigate <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks so much for sending through that draft. I\u2019ll take a squiz after my meeting.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Get English language support at Curtin <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There may be times when you need a little extra help in mastering Australian slang. Curtin is here to provide the support you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curtin\u2019s CHAtS<\/a> (Help with speaking English) programs are here to provide further support with improving your English language skills. CHAtS uses fun, conversational activities to help you feel more confident with speaking in English, including the use of Australian slang. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programs are available in person at Curtin\u2019s Perth and Kalgoorlie campuses (CHAtS Perth and CHAtS Kalgoorlie), in partnership with Curtin English (CHAtS ELICOS) and in the Town of Victoria Park (CHAtS Town of Victoria Park). They are also available online via video calls.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Curtin English<\/a> is another excellent resource for those looking to improve their proficiency in English. Offering three unique programs for students of varying abilities, Curtin English offers a clear pathway to Curtin degrees, allowing you to make your dreams of studying in Australia a reality \u2013 even if your English still has room for improvement.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many students who speak English as a second language attend and enjoy the benefits of becoming more confident communicating in English. With help from CHAtS and\/or Curtin English, you\u2019ll feel confident ordering your sanga with extra avo and saying \u201cShe\u2019ll be right\u201d in no time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong>
This post is correct as of 19 November 2025, but is subject to change by Curtin University (in its sole discretion). Curtin University may change the content, and its location or blog, post, and web address. This post contains general information only. Users should consider how it applies to their personal circumstances and seek specific advice. This blog, post, and our website are not intended as, and shall not be construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice.<\/em>
\u00a9 Curtin University 2025.<\/em><\/sup><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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