14 Words That Mean Something Totally Different If You're An Australian
If you're planning to visit Australia anytime soon, you'd better learn a few words so you can understand the lingo!
Australian slang can turn an ordinary conversation into a guessing game, especially when a familiar word suddenly means something completely different. That is part of the fun, and part of the confusion, in this list of 14 words that can throw non-Australians off fast.
From everyday objects to blunt expressions, these terms show how local language can be playful, rude, or just plain unexpected depending on where you grew up.
Some of these meanings are harmless, some are cheeky, and a few are definitely not for the faint of heart. Read on.
Barbie
What it means to the world:
A popular brand of kids' doll with super unrealistic body proportions.
What it means to Aussies:
Barbecue. Now, don't be mistaken; you might hear Australians say barbecue as well, but nothing beats a good old barbie.
InstagramRoot
What it means to the world:
The bottom parts of a tree that help keep it standing.
What it means to Aussies:
Sex. Getting down and dirty. Doing the deed. Pants party. Shagging. You get it.
RedditDoodle
What it means to the world:
Drawing or scribbling pointless stuff while thinking about other pointless stuff.
What it means to Aussies:
It's a penis.
Getty ImagesPiss
What it means to the world:
Going number one. Excreting urine from your body.
What it means to Aussies:
Piss means alcohol. Having a drink is known as 'getting on the piss,' so don't be alarmed if you hear someone say they're about to go and 'drink some piss.' They're just getting drunk.
InstagramSkull
What it means to the world:
The skull is the bone in your head that holds in your brain and prevents it from being squished.
What it means to Aussies:
Chugging your drink. It basically means you throw back all the piss you can find, as fast as you can find it.
InstagramLike the weird spots in Hidden Corners Of The World You’ve Probably Never Heard Of, these Aussie meanings are full of surprises.
Maggot
What it means to the world:
A maggot is the larva of a fly and is usually found on dead and/or rotting things.
What it means to Aussies:
In simple terms, being 'maggot' means being super messed up after skulling all your piss.
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Cooked
What it means to the world:
The past tense of cook or cooking.
What it means to Aussies:
You end up cooked after you've consumed a lot of alcohol and drugs. Other acceptable terms for this include 'munted' and possibly 'wrecked.'
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Cunt
What it means to the world:
Being called a cunt basically means you're a horrible person. Like, the worst type of jerk to ever walk the earth.
What it means to Aussies:
Cunt = Mate. It's a term you use for friends and just all-around sick stuff. Example: 'sick cunt,' 'mad cunt,' or 'yeeeeah cunt.'
Imgur
Thongs
What it means to the world:
A g-string. A teeny tiny pair of underwear that covers and protects nothing.
What it means to Aussies:
Jandals! Flip-flops! Excuse me, Sandra, you're standing on my thongs.
Instagram
Boot
What it means to the world:
Heavy, covered shoes. Sometimes worn for dangerous or messy work, or for walking in the snow.
What it means to Aussies:
The back compartment of your car that Americans call a 'trunk' (I think). A good place to keep your piss safe, or a couple of mates for a drive to the beach. (Don't do that; it's illegal)
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Rage
What it means to the world:
Big angry.
What it means to Aussies:
An all-night music listening program aired on ABC.
Getty Images/ABC
Shout
What it means to the world:
Yelling or raising your voice to get someone's attention. Or just to be a jerk.
What it means to Aussies:
To buy a round of food or drinks for all your mates. Example: 'Thanks for the piss, mate; next time's my shout.'
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Spewing
What it means to the world:
Throwing up. Being sick. Chucking. Chundering. Hurling. All that nice stuff.
What it means to Aussies:
Bigger than big mad. The maddest you can ever get. Mad, angry, fuming, and furious all at once.
Getty Images/Universal Pictures
Guy
What it means to the world:
The general word for a man. Or a group of people you can't be bothered referring to singularly. Example: 'Come on, guys!'
What it means to Aussies:
Sebastian. A man with the voice of an angel. The afro-dwelling songster who stole the 2004 Australian Idol title from Shannon Noll (yes, they're still spewing).
Getty Images
Before you say “doodle” at the dog park, read why naming a puppy “NSFW” blew up friendship.
