A fair dinkum Aussie Dictionary - Tourism Australia

A fair dinkumAussie DictionaryA collection of Aussie terms and sayings“Grouse!!”“Mate, givethis a burl!”“You littlebeauty!“Cripes, fire upthe billy, pass mea bickie and copa look at this.”

A fair dinkumAussie DictionaryA collection of Aussie terms and Sayings“Whether you’re a bloke ora sheila, have a go at ourAussie lingo. In an arvo,you’ll be speaking like you’refrom Down Under!”

ustralian English isjustifiably notorious for itsAcolourful and seeminglyendless collection of slang termsand sayings. Some Australianismssuch as “she’ll be right, mate”and “fair dinkum” are well knownaround the world, but these arejust the start.Many a visitor to the land DownUnder has been more than alittle mystified when told thatit is his or her turn to “shout”while drinking with new matesat a pub; or that he or she has“Buckley’s of making the next busto Brissie”; or that the “blowies” inBullamakanka are as big as emus.Many early Australianisms werewords taken over by or derivedfrom the languages spoken byAboriginal tribes. Thus, wordssuch as boomerang, billabong,kangaroo and cockatoo soonbecame part of the generallanguage (lingo) spoken by allAustralians.Australian place names ofAboriginal origin can be anothersource of amazement tonewcomers – especially tonguetwisterslike Woolloomooloo,Mullumbimby, Wollongong andWagga Wagga, names whichsimply trip off the tongues ofthe locals.Not included in this collection,but something you are bound toencounter at some point duringyour stay, is the popular Aussiehabit of nicknaming mates andcobbers by embellishing theendings of their first names withan “o”.For example, if your name is David,you may find yourself being calledDavo; likewise, Stevens can expectto be called Stevo; and Johns to becalled Johnno. Names ending in“ie” or “y” are often transformedby a “zza” ending. A Gary is almostinvariably known as Gazza, Barryas Bazza, Sharon as Shazza.While the terms which madeit into this dictionary are asAustralian as meat pie, we’d haveto have more hide than Ned Kellyto suggest that this is the lastword on the matter.Like all languages, Aussie Englishis growing and changing with thetimes. And while you’ll be flat outlike a lizard drinking if you try tomake head or tail of all the locallingo, this book will, hopefully, giveyou the drum on some commonones you may encounter on yourtrip Down Under.“Hold on to your eskyand give this a burl.”2 3

A Ace“He’s a few snagsshort of a barbie.”bellBaceExcellentANZACMembersof theAustralianand NewZealand Army Corps in World WarI. Anzac Day, which falls on April25, is a national holiday. Deliciousbiscuits (cookies), made with oatsand golden syrup, are also knownas Anzacs.Alice, TheAlice Springs, Northern Territory.amber fluidBeer. “Lets have a quicktransfusion of amber fluid.”ankle-biterA small child. See rug-rat.applesEverything’s under control, as in“She’s apples.”Apple Isle, TheTasmania, our only island state.arvoAfternoon.AussieAustralian.“Pop in forarvo tea.”Aussie saluteThe backward and forward wavingof hands before the face to shooaway the flies. See blowie.back of beyondWay out there somewhere;remote. See the black stumpand woop woop.bag of fruitRhyming slang for a man’s suit.“He was dressed to killin his bag of fruit and hedidn’t care who knew it.”Balmain BugSmall type of crayfish. Named afterthe trawlermen of the historic Sydneysuburb of Balmain, who pioneeredthe industry. See Moreton Bay Bug.barbieBarbecue. “Let’s go down to thebeach and have a barbie.” Also,“He’s a few snags (sausages) shortof a barbie” is used to describesomeone who is a little crazy.barneyAn argument or a dispute.barrackTo give encouragement to yoursports team.barramundiAboriginal name for a largetasty fish found in the waters ofQueensland, Northern Territoryand Western Australia.battlerSomeone who struggles hardto make ends meet or toovercome adversity. “He’s areal Aussie battler.”beaut or beautyGreat!Terrific! Alsopronouncedbeaudy, orbewdy.“You littlebeauty!bellTo call someone on the telephone.“I’ll give you a bell from the backof beyond.”big-noteTo boast and exaggerate one’swealth and power.billabongA water hole in a dry river bed.“Once a jolly swagmancamped by a billabong…”bickieA cookie.bingleA minor car crash or accident. Seeprang.billyA metal can, usually tin, enamelware or aluminium used formaking tea over an open fire.black stumpAn imaginary point dividingcivilization and the Outback.“She’s the biggest big-noter thisside of the black stump.” See backof beyond and woop woop.4 5

Bblind freddiebung, toBblind freddyThe person who can immediatelysee the bleedin’ obvious. “BlindFreddy can tell he’s a bludger”.blokeA male.blowieBlowfly. Sometimes jokinglyreferred to as Australia’s nationalbird. See Aussiesalute.bludgerSomeone whodoesn’t pull theirweight at workand sponges off others.blueTo have an argument or a fight.blueyNickname for a bloke with red hair.Also, a swagman’s blanket roll.blue heelerA nuggety cattle dog with a bluefleckedcoat, popular with bushiesand city folk alike.boomerA large male kangaroo. Itis believed by some Aussieyoungsters that Santa Claus’sleigh is pulled by six whiteboomers.bootTrunk of a car.bombed outUnsuccessful, also drunk.bonzerA great bloke or sheila. “He’s abonzer bloke to have on your sidein a blue.”bottlerSomeone (orsomething)who performs well.bottle shopLiquor store, often part of a hotel.Also known as a ‘bottlo’.breakkieBreakfast.brollyAn umbrella.“He’s a littlebottler.”“Time forbreakkie, I’mstarving.”brumbyFrom an Aboriginal wordmeaning a wild horse.bubblerA drinking fountain.bucket, toTo dump on someone; to blamethem for everything.Buckley’s chanceAbsolutely no chance.budgie smugglerA tight men’s swimming costume.Named after the budgerigar, asmall colourful native bird.bull artistA teller of tall tales; a braggart.Closely related to a big noter.BundyThe town of Bundaberg inQueensland. Also the nameof a popular brand of rum.bung, toTo put on an act; to throw. “There’sno need to bung it on with me.”“Just bung another prawn(shrimp) on the barbie!”bush, theUnspoiled land beyond the citywith natural vegetation. Also, “togo bush” is to get away from allyour troubles. “Bruce’s gone bush.”bushieUsed to describe someone wholives miles from anywhere.“Bazza’s a real bushie.”bushed, I’m“I’m tired.”bushrangerAn outlaw in early colonial days.Ned Kelly was one of Australia’smost notorious bushrangers.67

BbushrangerCome a cropperCbush tuckerNative foods such as berries, rootsand food stuffs, such as edibleinsects, known to Aboriginesand only recently discovered byEuropean Australians.B.Y.O.Bring your own. Unlicensedrestaurant where you need to bringyour own alcohol. Many partyinvitations include the B.Y.O. proviso.cactusUseless, broken.Captain CookBritish navigator and explorer whomapped the east coast of Australiain 1770. Also, “take a Captain Cook”is rhyming slang for take a look.cashed upHaving plenty of ready money.cark itTo die.cheese and kissesRhyming slang for wife, i.e.: themissus.chemistPharmacy or drugstore.chewyChewing gum.chipsFrench fries orpotato crisps. To“spit chips” meansthat you are veryangry.“Johno wasspitting chips.”chookDomestic chicken or hen. SomeAustralians keep chooks in the backgarden in a chook house with achook run. “He’s running aroundlike a headless chook,” refers tosomeone who is over-excited ordisorganized. Also a mild derogatoryterm for an older woman: “the dearold chook”.“He’s running aroundlike a headless chook!”ChrissieChristmas; Chrissie prezzie(present).chuck a wobblyTo go berserk.Clayton’sName of a soft drink that waspromoted as a substitute foralcohol. The term came to meansomething that is not whatit seems. “This is a Clayton’sdictionary if ever I saw one”.coathanger, theTerm for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.CobberA close friend.cockyA cockatoo,native bird ofAustralia;canalsomeana farmer. BossCocky means the boss; andsomeone who is cocky isover-confident.come a cropperTo fall heavily or have an accident.cooeeOriginally a call used by Aboriginesin the bush, it is now used by allAustralians. To be “within cooee” isto be in earshot.cop, toTake a look at that! “Cop that.”Also, “Cop it sweet” means to takebad news well or “on the chin.”CorroboreeAboriginal dance ceremonyor meeting.cot caseA drunk or exhausted person, fitonly for bed.cozziesSwimming costume. “I got somecozzies for Chrissie.”crikeyAn expression of surprise.crookTo be sick or no good; also angry.8 9

Ccrows, stone thefair dinkumFcrows, stone theA mild oath.cuppaA cup of tea. “What you need isa good cuppa.” The Australianantidote to all problems.dagBasically a nerd or even a little worse.damperTraditionally, unleavened breadbaked in the ashes of a fire. Thename comes from the practice ofdamping the fires so the bread canbe cooked in the glowing embers.dead-setAbsolute; genuine. “He’s a deadsetmate,” or “Is that dead-set?”diggerOriginally aminer in thegoldfields, nowused to refer toan Australiansoldier.dillA simpleton or a fool.“Is he deadsetmate?”dilly-bagA small woven bag carried byAboriginal women. Often used todescribe a small bag of any sort.dingoA native dog.dinky - diGenuine.dobberAn informant whohas “dobbed in” someone.dog’s breakfastA mess.DoverThe brand name of a bushman’sknife. “To flash one’s Dover,”means to open a clasp knife tobegin a meal.Down UnderAustralia. “We come from theland Down Under…”drongoA real fool or a moron.“A bloke wouldn’tdob in a mate.”droverA person who herds stock or sheepover a long distance.“Don’t spit thedummy you drongo!”dummy, spit theTo lose one’s temper.dumperThe bane of all surfers, a dumperis a large wave that tosses youaround like apiece of driftwoodinstead of carryingyou in to shore.dunnyOriginally anunsewered toiletat the bottom ofthe garden, nowused generallyfor the toilet.earbasherSomeone who talks endlessly; abore.enzedNew Zealand. An Enzedderis a New Zealander.EskyBrand name but now usedgenerically for a coolerto carry drinks andfood to barbiesand parties.fair dinkumTrue, genuine; an assertion oftruth or genuineness. “It’s true,mate, fair dinkum.”fair goA chance, an equal opportunity.“Give us a fair go, Bruce.”fangTo drive around at high speed.far outUnbelievable.first cab off the rankTo jump at an opportunity;quick off the mark.flake (out), toCollapse, fall asleep or changeplans with your mates.flat outVery busy. “He’s flat out like alizard drinking.”1011

Fflush“That’s a grousepie floater.”hoorayHflushHaving plenty of money.footyRefers to either Rugby League,Rugby Union, or AustralianRules football.fossickOriginally meant to search or pickaround for gold or gemstones, butis now used in the more generalsense of searching for something.Fremantle DoctorCool breeze that blows in offthe Indian Ocean during the hotsummer months of Decemberto March in Fremantle.frog and toadRhyming slang for road. “Let’s hitthe frog and toad” – leave.furphyOriginally the brand name of awater-cart but now meansa rumour orphony story.galahNative bird witha grey back and apink front. Also, a fool.“You’re a bitof a galah!.”garboGarbage man.g’dayGood day. “G’day, meold cobber, me mate.”Ghan, TheNickname for the Afghani cameldrivers who helped open up theOutback. Also, the name of thetrain running from Adelaideto Darwin.give it a burlGive it a try.goodoGood one.googieAn egg.grasshopperA bush term for a tourist, especiallyin tourist groups: “They eateverything in sight and never havea drink”. Also known as a grassie.greenieA mildly derogatory term fora conservationist.“G’day!”“Go on, giveit a burl!”grouseVery good.grogGeneral name for allalcohol. A “grog-on”or “grog-up” is adrinking party.gum treeEucalyptus tree.There are manydifferent types of gumtrees. To be “up a gum tree”means you are in trouble.gutfulMore then enough. “I’ve had agutful”. Also gut’s full.gutlessLacking courage.hard yakkaHard work.heaps, to giveTo give someone a hard time.hoonA lout. Also, to hoon around.hoorayGoodbye, so long. Also, Hooroo!howzat!How’s that! Request for approval.In cricket it’s used to requestdismissal of a player. “Howzat?”icebergerSomeone who swims duringwinter in unheated water,usually in the ocean. Membersof the Bondi Icebergs Club are wellknown for their mid-winter frolicsin a sea water pool filled withblocks of ice.jackerooA young male station hand.jillarooA young female station hand.joeyBaby kangaroo or wallaby.jumbuckA sheep. A jumbuck barberis a sheep shearer.jumperA sweater.1213

KkangaLucky Country, TheLkangaKangaroo. In the bush,to “have a bit of a kanga”is to have some cash.Kanga cricket isa form of thegame designedfor children.kelpieAn Australian breedof short haired dog, used to herdsheep.kick inTo help out with money.knock, toCriticise, find fault. A knocker isa person who makes derogatoryremarks.koalaA lovable nocturnal marsupial,often mistakenly referred to asa bear. The koala is found only inAustralia whereit spends muchof its time eatinga special typeof gum leaf anddozing on a treebranch.kookaburraAustraliankingfisher birdwith brown andwhite feathers anda distinctive almost human laugh.kylieThe West Australian NyungarAboriginal word for boomerang.lamingtonSponge cakesquaresdipped inchocolateand coatedin gratedcoconut. Theyare supposed to have originated inthe Brisbane kitchens of CharlesWallace Baillie, and named afterBaron Lamington, who wasQueensland Governor from 1895to 1901.larrikinAn urban hooligan with a dashof style.lash out, toSpend money freely. Also, lashings,which means lots of something –especially food and drink.leglessSomeone who is so intoxicatedthey can’t walk.lilly-pillyBush tucker. An Indigenouspurple berry.lingoLanguage.loadedExtremely wealthy. Also meansdrunk.“She did her lolly!”lollyCandy or boiled sweet. Lolly wateris soft drink. Also, “to do your lolly”is to lose your temper.looThe toilet; the bathroom.Lucky Country, TheTitle of a book by well knownAustralian academic, DonaldHorne. Horne used the termironically, but it’s sometimes usedin the literal sense.lurk, toTo act suspiciously. Also, a “lurkmerchant” is someone who is ashrewd operator.mail, MulgaRumour or gossip.Also called the bushtelegraph. “I heardit on the Mulga mail.”margeMargarine.“I heardit on theMulgamail.”mateFriend, buddy. The great Australianleveller. Anyone can be your mate,from the Prime Minister to thebloke next door. Also, affectionateterm for a close friend. “G’day,mate,” is a common Aussiegreeting.1415

MMatildano-hoperNMatildaA swag or bedroll. To waltz Matildais to carry a swag.mental, to chuck aTo lose one’s temper.“Kylie really chucked a mentalat the barbie last night.”middyA medium sized (9 oz.) glassof beer (New South Wales andWestern Australia). “Let’s go downto the pub for a couple of middies.”missus, theSlang for wife.moralTribe or group of emotionallyconnected companions: ‘Is he oneof your mob?”moralA sure thing. “A moral certainty.”Moreton Bay BugSmall crayfish from the watersof Queensland and northernAustralia.mozzieMosquito.muddieMud crab. Large, delicious crabfound in the mangrove wetlands ofQueensland and New South Wales.mugA fool.Mulga, TheType of acacia tree found in thedry inland areas of Australia.Generally used to describethe sparser inland areas.“Hey mate, you look likea stunned mullet.”mullet, stunnedSomeone who is dazed oruncomprehending.nanaTo be mentally deranged or to loseyour temper. “He was off his nana.”neck oilCommon term for beer. Lookout for other terms such as“sucking a tube”; “bending theelbow”; “cracking a coldie”;“tearing a tinnie”.never never, theThe remotest part ofinland Australia.nick, toSteal.nipperA small child. Also the name for atrainee surf-lifesaver.no-hoperA fool or lazy, hapless person.no worriesDon’t worry, everything is okay.See apples.nongA fool or silly person.nuggetyA short, thickset person.nulla-nullaAn Aboriginal war club.offMany meanings such as taintedfood is “off”; bad taste is also“off”; to leave in a hurry is to be“off”; and if someone is ill they are“feeling off”. “Off like a bucket ofprawns”, means something has avery bad smell. Someone who is ina hurry can be said to be “off like abride’s nightie.”16 17

oold manprawnPold manA fully grown male kangaroo.onyaCongratulations, short for “goodon you”.orstraliaAustralia in broad AussieOutback dialect.OutbackInland Australia.OzAustralia.OzparalyticExtremely intoxicated.Pat MaloneRhyming slang for “own”.“I’m on my Pat Malone.”pavlovaOr pav.A popular suburbandessert, named after the Russianballerina Anna Pavlova. A pavconsists of a large, soft- centredmeringue filled with cream andtopped with fruit.perksLittle extras; the side benefits.petrolGasoline.pie floaterMeat pie floating in a bowl of peasoup. Some devotees believe a piefloater is the best hangover cure.pokiesPoker or slot machines. Also, onearmedbandits.polliePolitician.pommySomeone from the British Isles.There are a number of explanationsbut the most common are:pomegranate for the ruddy redcheeks of British immigrants; theacronym P.O.M.E. stamped on earlyconvicts’ clothing, which stood forPrisoner of Mother England.possieA position or spot. “There’s a goodpossie on the the beach to relax.”postieMail man or woman. Aussie postiescarry the mail in a red rucksack.P-plateNewly licensed drivers in Australiahave to display a (Provisional)P-plate for three years and areknown as P-platers.prangA car crash or accident.prawnWhatAmericans calla shrimp. Also,a fool. “Don’tcome the rawprawn with me,mate”, meansdon’t try and pull a fast one.pubPublic house, hotel or bar.pull your head inMind your own business.Rafferty’s rulesNo rules at all.“Don’t comethe raw prawnwith me.”ragerSomeone who likes to party.ratbagA bit of a rogue or troublemaker.Ratbaggery is the act of beinga ratbag.1819

Rrazooshag on a rockSrattyMad or deranged.razooAn imaginary coin of no value.Also, to have no money at all.“She didn’t have a brass razoo.”redbackA small black spider with a redspot on its back. Potentially lethal.They hang out in outhouses(dunnies), or other dark places.regoMotor vehicle registration.ring-inSomething replaced fraudulently.Also, someone who arrives at aparty uninvited.ringerIn sheep country a ringer is thefastest shearer; in cattle countryhe’s the best stockman.ripperSomeone or somethingreally good.ropeableAngry or bad tempered.“Cripes, me old china platewas ropeable when Iturned up late this arvo.”rortA fraudulent act.roughOriginally the word referred toa bad shearing job, nowadays itmeans something unreasonable.“That’s a bit rough, mate.”roughieA cheat, someone who tries to“pull a swiftie”. Also refers tosomeone who is uncouth.“Mate, it’s your round!”roundOriginally, to round up cattle,but nowadays refers to buying a“round” of drinks at the pub.rubbish, toTo put someone down; to denigrate.rug-ratA small child. See ankle-biter.sand-groperOriginally meant to walk in softsand, it can also mean to bungle.A sand-groper refers to someonefrom Western Australia.sangerSandwich. Also sango.schoonerLarge glass of beer(150z). “I’d love afew schooners ofamber fluid.”scorcherA very hot day.“She’s a scorcher.”See stinker.servoAbbreviation for service station.The servo is where you fill yourvehicle with fuel.shag on a rockBeing exposed or alone.“Left like a shag on a rock.”shandyA drink composed mostly of beerand a dash of lemonade. Onceregarded as a “refined” drink forladies.sheilaA young girl or woman.she’ll be rightEverything will be okay. See noworries.sherbertA beer.“There’s nothing betterafter a day at the beachthan a few sherberts.”2021

SshonkyStationSshonkyPoor quality.shoot throughTo leave or escape quickly, as in “toshoot through like a Bondi tram.”shoutTo pay for a round of drinks,also used when buying anythingfor another person. In an Aussiepub you’ll often hear, “It’s yourshout, mate.”sickieTo “chuck a sickie” is to take aday off work when you are notreally ill.silvertailSomeone with social aspirations;can also refer to a wealthy person.singletMostly worn by men undertheir shirts like a t-shirt butsleeveless. Sometimes wornalone with shorts. See ocker.six-packPackage of six cans or bottlesof beer.skerrickA small amount.skiteTo boast or to brag.slackerSomeone who avoids hard work.sling-off, toTo ridicule or mock.smokoA break from work (originally fora cigarette).snagA light meal, but most commonlya sausage. See barbie.snakyAngry. Can also mean sneaky.“Listen you drongo, don’tget snaky with me.”soft drinkSoda or pop.sookSomeone who is pouting.sparrow fartVery early in the morning.“The kookaburraswoke me atsparrow fart.”spinnerUsed in the gambling game,Two-up. The spinner is the playerwho tosses the coins. “Come inSpinner” is said to call up one’sluck as the coins are tossed.sportA friendly greeting. “G’day, sport.”squatocracyModern day descendants of theoriginal squatters who leasedCrown land for grazing. Nowreferred to as a socio- economicgroup, a rural aristocracy.stationA ranch where cattle or sheep arethe major industry.sticky beakA nosy, prying person.stinkerAn objectionable person. Also avery hot day.stir, toTo provoke someone.A stirrer is a troublemaker.stridesMen’s trousers.strike, toA mild oath. “Strike me blue.”“Strike me lucky.” “Strike a light.”“This arvo we’ll don ourcossies and get a goodpossie at the beach.”strineAustralian slang. Australiansare masters at slurring wordstogether, e.g., Emmachisit (howmuch is it), as well as shorteningas many words as possible.2223

S StubbyturpsTstubbyA short, squat bottle of beer.Look out for stubby coolers;small styrofoam or rubberholders shaped to fita cold stubbyor can (tinnie).Preventsfrostbite causedby holding toomany ice-coldbeers in thehot sun.sunbakeSunbathe.sundownerItinerant worker. Originally atramp who wandered fromstation to station looking forwork, making sure he arrived atsundown in time for dinner.swagmanA tramp; an itinerant worker. Alsoknown as a swaggie.swimmersBathingcostume.taThank you.“Ta ta” meansgoodbye, andto go “ta tas”means to goon an outing.TassieTasmania.TaswegianTasmanian.tea treeAn aromatic tree whose oil hashealing qualities. Also, ti tree.tin lidRhyming slang for kid.tinnieA can of beer.togsA bathing costume.tomato sauceKetchup.“Ta ta.”too rightCertainly!tootToilet.“Darwin is inthe Top End.”Top EndThe northern part of the NorthernTerritory. A Top-Ender is a residentof this area.troppoTo “go troppo” is to be mentallydisturbed. The original usageprobably came from illness causedby too much time spent under thetropical sun of northern Australiaand Papua New Guinea.truckieA long-distance lorry driver.true blueTo be true blue means to begenuine. “A true blue Aussie.”tuckerTo eat food. Can also mean to betired out. “All this yarning hastuckered me out.”turpsAlcoholic liquor.two-bobCheap; of little value. Also,“as mad as a two-bob watch”,means silly or mad.two-pot screamerSomeone who is very susceptibleto alcohol.two-upA gambling game in which twocoins are tossed and bets aremade on how they will fall.ueyAlso, uy and youee. To “chucka Uey” is to make a U-turnwhile driving.uniUniversity.“Let’s have a nighton the turps.”“Quick, chuck a Uey!”24 25

U up a gum treeworriesWup a gum treeConfused, not sure what to do.uteUtility truck or pickup truck.VegemiteSometimes referred to asAustralia’s national food. Loved byall true blue Aussies, Vegemite isa brown yeast extract spread ontoast and sandwiches.Waltzing MatildaAustralia’s unofficial nationalanthem. Also means to wanderaround the country with a swag.See Matilda.walkaboutTo wander the countryside. WhenAborigines “go walkabout”, itmeans to live in the traditionalmanner of their ancestors.westieA resident of Sydney’swestern suburbs.WestralianSomeone from Western Australia.whackerA fool. A general term of abuse.whackoA positive exclamation such as“whacko the diddle O” or “whackothe chook”.“Whacko the diddle O,Gazza’s gone and boughthimself a flash new ute!.”whinge, toTo complain a lot. A whingeris a person who whinges.white ant, toTo undermine someone’sreputation.witchettyIn the language of the Aboriginesof the Flinders Ranges in SouthAustralia, a witchetty is a hookedstick to remove grubs from tree roots.Also, a witchetty grub is a large whitegrub that lives in the roots of certaintypes of gum trees. Aborigines valuethem as good tucker.wobbegongA New South Wales Aboriginalword for several species of sea-beddwelling sharks. Also known ascarpet sharks, they are harmlessto humans.woomeraAn Aboriginal implement used topropel a spear.woop woopA fictional remote rural backwater.“That raving ratbag comes fromsomewhere out near Woop Woop.”See back of beyond and black stump.“That raving ratbagcomes from somewhereout near woop woop.”worries, noNot a problem!“No worries, mate!”wowserSomeone whose behaviour ispuritanical or prudish.write-offTired, or destroyed.wussA spoilsport, a coward or a sissy.See sook.yabbyFreshwater crayfish.yahooOriginally a New South WalesAboriginal word meaning an evilspirit, now means a hooligan.See hoon.yakkaHard work. “She’s a demon forhard yakka.”2627

Y yamyamAn edible tuberous root.yarn, toTo tell a bit of a tale.Also, to talk, to chat.yobboA hoodlum or bogan.youseSland for plural you. “ Why don’tyouse come over for a cuppathis arvo?”zonked (out)Tired, exhaustedNow you’re soundinglike a local, a fairdinkum Aussie – it’stime to go walkaboutand give it a burl!28 29

“See ya later”“Ta ta”