Third Language Dictionary

By Kerrin P. Rowe

Third Language Dictionary is a guide to everyday language that is peculiar to and used by Australian folks from all walks of life no matter what or who they are or the level of success, education, credence, or place in society they have attained.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: May 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781490786346

Kerrin P. Rowe

Kerrin. P. Rowe was born in the outback area as it was then, in the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie; he later lived in the district of Norseman which is also a remote outback area of Western Australia. He was educated in the cities of Perth and Melbourne Victoria. Kerrin was employed in the plastics, printing ink, advertising and transport industries, in management and executive roles in these fields. He did also own several diversified businesses. Kerrin has had first hand experiencing in studying the culture, the idiom and slang and the unique humorous, eccentricity of the Aussie spoken language.

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Copyright 2018 Kerrin P. Rowe.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

A number of words entered in this publication may be derived from trademarks, copyrights or registered names however, the presence or absence of indication of this derivation, should not be regarded in anyway as affecting the legal status of any trademark or registered name.

Wordbook of Australian Idiom–Aussie Slang

Third Language Dictionary–Second Edition (unabridged)

Dictionary of Australian Analogies Similes & Phrases

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8633-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8632-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8634-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017918699

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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Trafford rev. 05/02/2018

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toll-free: 1 888 232 4444 (USA & Canada)

fax: [phone]

acknowledgements

To my dear brother, William John Rowe for all his input and advice of general, rural and faunal slang; also of that as used in the sheep shearing industry.

To my wife, Carol for her everlasting patience. To the many others, who had suggestions and input during the eight years it took to research, compile and edit this dictionary, thanks a heap.

Contents

Preface

Foreword

Australian Disposition

Australian (Aussie) Idiom

Variation

Spectrum of Australian English

Literary and Grammar Terms

1.0   Rhyming Slang

1.1   Elliptical Rhyming Slang

2.0   Faunal Slang

3.0   General Idiom – Slang, Analogies, Similes & Phrases

4.0   Australian States and Territories

5.0   Chemistry Elements

6.0   Roman Numerals

7.0   Metric/ Imperial Conversion Length

Preface

Many English-speaking people visiting Australia for the first time find the Australian English expression somewhat different to what they have been taught.

Australian English is more than just an accent; the Aussie vernacular can easily leave both English speakers and foreigners mystified. Australian English is similar to British English. However, many common words differ from that and the American English; there are many unique Aussie idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of the slang idiom.

There are three types of language and slang found in this book, consisting of Australian Idiom; Stylised, Rhyming and Faunal slang.

Australian English with its peculiar syntax also includes some American English, which is becoming quite predominate in this countries day to day language.

Overall, Australian English is derived from many sources including in part, of the Australian indigenous people’s variation

Australia has an adaptation of English that is unique – ‘Fair dinkum’ (true), ‘No sweat’ (absolutely); ‘She’ll be apples (all will go well); ‘Dinky–di’ (truthfully); ‘Corker’, something or someone of excellence or very good of its kind or remarkable, a striking effect of awe; ‘Ripper’ or ‘What a Ripper’, an exclamation of something delightful, magnificent, awesome or that of great excitement.

‘No worries’ = (a) it’s no bother (b) not a problem (c) it’s a pleasure;

An expression indicative of the layback style, of the Australian people’s easy going nature.

‘True blue’ = He or she who is fervently patriotic to the Nation.

There are many words, that in one country are considered inappropriate, in the general daily discourse but in another, such as Australia or America they may have different meanings and are not considered improper at all; such as the word ‘Root’ which in Australia relates to ‘sexual intercourse’ and the same word in America, indicates support or a shouting out of encouragement i.e., ‘to root for one’s sports team’.

This is the language of most inhabitants of Australia–used especially with the implication, that it is a variety of English from that used in Great Britain and in many ways, has become so divergent as to be a separate and distinctive language compared to that of English and America English

(1) English (United Kingdom)

(2) English − American

(3) English −Australian

Example:

1. Idiom; Fair dinkum

2. Meaning; (a) the absolute truth (b) genuine (c) the fair dinkum, straight–up or the gospel truth

3. Usage

(1) You say you were not involved, is that fair dinkum? (is that true?)

‘Yeah, my oath (absolutely) it is dinkum; orright (alright)’

(2) If you’re not going to be fair dinkum in what you do and in what you say, then you can, p. o. q (piss off quickly) (leave immediately, fast)

(3) Honestly, I’m telling you the fair dinkum straight–up truth, no sweat (without compunction)

‘Ah! the gospel truth, that’s beaut (very good)’

The dictionary is straight forward, alphabetically listed, in translation style with sentence examples featuring unabridged, Australian idiom and slang of analogies, similes and phrases. It’s an excellent reference guide for anyone new to Australian English expression.

The purpose of this publication is to assist people such as students, visitors, tourists, immigrants and others to the land of Australia, to broaden their knowledge, widen their vision of understanding this country; the language the accent and the easy going friendly nature, of the people in general.

For scholars, tutors and students reading Australian literature from the present and earlier periods, this dictionary will be benefited, further in understanding the writings of Australian authors using the old–style slang the poetry, composed by famous writers such as C J Dennis; Henry Lawson and A B (Banjo) Paterson who wrote the famous Australian song ‘Waltzing Matilda’. You may find this dictionary helpful in interpretation

This record will be beneficial in the preservation of some of the Aussie Idiom and slang for future generations and a record of the past, as now 2016 the country develops and expands further, into one of a diversified multinational culture society of citizens, from all parts of the globe.

The author has made little or no attempt to explain the origins of any idiom or slang word in this wordbook as it would extend the publication to a volume of at least thirty centimetres, say one foot thick, and that would make it, ‘out of whack’ too large to put it in one’s kick (pocket) or bag.

Foreword

Third Language Dictionary of Australian Idiom, is a guide to the everyday language, which is peculiar to and used by Australian folk from all walks of life, no matter what or who they are or the level of success, education, credence or place in society they have attained.

The idiom in this dictionary is used prolifically across Australia, However, some slang words or idiom may differ slightly, from state to state.

Australian slang usage is found to be more predominant in the country areas as opposed to the city and urban areas.

Australian Idiom and Slang is based mainly on constriction of the English language. The slang component has been contrived over centuries of change in England and the decades of change by the early Australian pioneers, farmers, military personnel, and immigrants, particularly the English, Irish and German settlers, poets, writers, horse racing parlance indigenous people, working classes from all types of industries, the military forces; all of which have had some influence in forming this beaut (wonderful) language and continue to do so over time.

Some slang words fall into disuse become archaic and tend to be replaced by another slang word of the same inference, mainly due to various changes of principals, customs and technological or industrial and environmental situation.

The influx of new immigrants brings other languages and words of opportunity for the existing residents to extract new expressive idiom and in turn, create many new slang words or phrases. Basically, it is the young or the country people who bring reforms to the language and slang component.

The Aussie idiom is an inherent mix of metaphrase, derogatory exclamations, expressions of concern or amazement, insinuation, ridicule and jest. Many words do have converse meanings, of which, defy further analysis and an accepted fact is, that there is no consistency to the Australian language.

At times, many Australians like to use euphemisms of affectation or disguise;

they like to hint, to allude to, in a manner that it becomes somewhat more difficult for foreigners and others to tell what it is that they are really saying or implying.

Therefore, given time and study one will discover that the Aussie language is challenging, not to be ridiculed but to be appreciated and admired for its interwoven directness, complexity, eccentricity and under lying humour. Australians are known to be able to laugh at themselves, for ever humorously testing everyone else, be it in pleasant or adverse times.

Aussies’ true traits

Our Great Australian Values

Caring; Family; Honesty; Friendship

Compassion; Humour / Fun; Respect

Trust; Fairness; Responsibility

(source: Australian Futures Survey)

It should be known and clearly understood that Australians lean very much towards the underdog or the under privileged person, the battler, the novice in sport; to others in times of disaster and need.

Because of these strong sentiments, the following criteria have evolved.

It has become a national edict and the ethos that –

(1) It is Un–Australian not to give one a fair go (be equitable; fair–minded)

(2) It is Un–Australian to bag your mate (to cast aspersions)

(3) It is Un–Australian to dob–in (inform on) a mate (and if so; only when dire circumstance necessitates)

(4) It is Un–Australian not to pull your weight (do one’s fair share)

(5) It is Un–Australian to disrespect, denigrate, physically or mentally assault women or to regard them as chattels or as unequals (be respectful, caring and above all treat them as equals)

(6) It is Un–Australian not to accept a person’s performance, when he or she has given his / her, all (tried one’s very best)

Australians place great stock in friendship; the Aussie concept of mateship!

Australian Disposition

(Aussies) have a characteristic trait of self–deprecation without inhibitions, making them more rational and less excitable; they express a mixture of frank obscenity–laden humour, brutal honesty and tend to ‘tell–it straight–up’

However, one aspect of Australians is that they have ‘finely tuned bulldust detectors’ within their senses; they are quick to identify a ‘bulltish artist’.

Aussie are outspoken; sincere people exuding a friendly, bold carefree laid–back disposition and positive attitude. They are unreserved people; further, Australians are obsessed with the use of sobriquets for just about everyone and everything. They imply genuine, friendly familiarity and affinity with people (particularly foreigners), things or places, a logic that, all people are on equal terms; there is no acceptance of class distinction or snobbery here;

Australians think that they are as good as their masters no matter what their occupation or standing in society. Generally, what matters is, one’s character and ethics.

The use of person’s first names is the accepted rule and the use of the title ‘Mister’ is generally construed to be ‘Mate’ no disrespect or discourteousness intended.

The title ‘Sir’ is not used often, other than in a formal gathering, a court of law, school, military, etc. due courtesy is extended to eminent personage.

Australian (Aussie) Idiom

The Aussie idiom – slang, is an inherent mix of metaphrase, derogatory exclamations, expressions of concern or amazement, insinuation, ridicule and jest. At times, it is regarded as being inferior or a vulgar, crude, abusive, irreverent, politically incorrect language.

For example, the words ‘bastard’, ‘’bloody’, ‘bugger’ or ‘shit’, used mainly as intensifiers, to emphasise or stress the strength of an exclamation or assertion i.e.;

bastard; ‘He’s an out and out bastard’ inferring, he is a real bad or mean or selfish person (nothing to do with the legitimacy of his berth)

blood or bloody; ‘Blood oath’ or ‘Bloody oath’ mate, indicates strong affirmation or agreement of something or confirmation of the completion of a task.

Bloody emphasises one’s anger or disagreement or dislike or awe it is used to strengthen the ambiance of one’s feelings.

bugger; ‘Don’t bugger about mate’ – be serious in your endeavour, don’t procrastinate, get on with it, do it now.

shit; an expression of abuse; anger; awe; criticism; difficulty; disappointment; disgust; dread; enjoyment; frustration; humiliation; indifference; mild curse; negative; sorrow; surprise; sympathetic response

The Australian Lingo is prone to being one of mischief has the ability to undermine, confuse, belittle, degrade, malign and amuse with a propensity for laughing at oneself or someone else, without really meaning any disrespect

An Aussie might address somebody and say ‘G’day Buggerlugs’, which is a mock abusive taunt used as a friendly or fond term or greeting or used at the moment, when one can’t remember someone’s name; no impudence intended

slang; stylised rhyming slang

A form of slang comprised where the last word of a phrase rhymes with the word which is really meant, such as blood and blister = sister or dog’s eye and dead horse = pie and sauce

Rhyming slang is generally used by men singularly or in groups such as the military services or in clubs and hotel bars, offices and elsewhere.

It appears that we have inherited this trend from our English Cockney cousins, particularly, the London Cockney–EastEnders; to them it is common everyday language.

Australians have stylised rhyming slang to suit their own idiom.

example:

(1) We are going down the frog and toad to the rubbity dub through the Rory O’Moore and will breast the near and far and order a couple of Al Galea’s and we won’t get elephants trunk.

‘Too bloody right mate’

translation:

We are going down the road to the pub (hotel) through the door, breast the bar and order two beers and we won’t get drunk.

‘Yeah, absolutely we will, and with great gusto (pleasure) too, mate!’

(2) He’s me china plate = mate

I’m going for a snake’s hiss = a piss or Get on the dog and bone = phone or

An oxford scholar = a dollar– a tin tank = a Yank or Mal Malinger = a finger

slang; elliptical rhyming slang

elliptical slang is that in which the rhyming word is omitted, as in

(a) Captain Cook = look, shortened to ‘Captain’

(1) Here ya go mate, have ‘a captain’ (look) at this letter and tell me what ya think.

(b) elephants’ trunk = drunk and butchers hook = crook (sick or bad), shortened to elephants and butchers, respectively

(2) Are you okay to drive Remo, you look a bit ‘elephants’?

‘No, she’s sweet (I’m fine) mate! I haven’t been pissing–on (drinking); I’ve just been a bit ‘butchers’ = crook = sick that’s all; apart from that’s I’m good to drive’.

Variation

What’s in a name?

That which fits in with diminutive naming system in Australia

The Australians have tendency to substitute the surnames of individuals, events or titles with an o or i.e. or y

(a) Any person bearing the name of Thompson, Robinson, Dickson, Clarke, Jackson, Simons etc.; become: ‘Thomo’, ‘Robo’, ‘Dicko’, ‘Clarko’, ‘Jacko’ or ‘Simo’; Murray becomes ‘Muzzo’.

One needs to balance only names that will flows off the tongue without wavering on an o or i.e. sound

(b) Person bearing the names, Smith, Jones, Black, White, Hill or a Fireman, etc.; become

‘Smithy’; ‘Jonesy’; ‘Blacky’; ‘Whitey’; ‘Hilly’ or a ‘Firey’

(c) Jarryd Roughead is known as ‘Roughie’; Rowe becomes, ‘Rowie’; a Truck driver becomes a ‘Truckie’; a Taxi cab driver becomes a ‘Cabbie’; a Police officer = a Flatfoot = a ‘Flattie’; Robert becomes Robo or Robbie.

Other names which can’t be interfered with by o or i.e. sound such as, Oboe or Edward are generally left alone; however sometime times, a nickname will be the substitute for them.

Edward can become ‘Ed or Eddy’; Carol or Caroline become ‘Caro’; Jane becomes ‘Janie’

(d) Motor Vehicle Registration, becomes ‘rego’; pregnant, becomes ‘prego’

aptronym or aptonym– an apt name

a word synonymous of people whose names, situation or occupation such as their profession, have a close correspondence or a personal name aptly or bizarrely suited to its owner, is amusingly appropriate when the name fits the job

nick name

sobriquet, a name informally given to a person place or thing etc, in replacement of their own christen or surname, or an occupation or that of an object or article name

nick names;

descriptive of a person who procrastinates

(a) the coat hanger (b) mirrors

(c) the boomerang

(1) "The coat hanger, he is the one who always says, ‘Hang about’

(2) "Mirrors, he is the one who says –

‘I’m looking into it’"

(3) "Boomerang, he is the one who says –

‘I’ll get back to you; and never does’"

argot = the jargon of a class

incomprehensible words, gibberish; appalling or desecrated language; mode of speech full of distinctive, idiosyncratic, unique unfamiliar terms

Spectrum of Australian English

a continuum along which the variant pronunciations of Australian English are ranged. The position of a person’s pronunciation on the spectrum is determined by the habitual choices he makes; four areas are commonly delineated; Broad, General, Cultivated and Modified (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)

Broad Australian

that pronunciation of Australian English which is least acceptable as a prestige form and in which the characteristics of Australian pronunciation are at their most extreme (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)

General Australian

that pronunciation of Australian English adopted by the majority of Australians

(Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)

Cultivated Australian

that pronunciation of Australian English which serves as a prestige form.

(Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary1981)

Modified Australian

that pronunciation of Australian English which seeks to imitate British upper classes speech, usually considered affected and unacceptable (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)

Australian accent

The Aussie accent is basically divided into three categories of usage, being:

1. General, fifty per cent (50%)

2. Broad, thirty–nine per cent (39%)

3. Cultivated, eleven per cent (11%)

The General accent is expected to rise exponentially with the influx of thousands (heaps) of immigrants over the early part of the twenty first century, with steady growth thereafter.

Literary and Grammar Terms

acronym: an acronym is a smooth flowing word formed from initials or groups of letters of a phrase; e.g., – ‘ANZAC’’ from, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps or that of pushing the ‘STEM’ = ‘Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics’

Whereas abbreviations such as USA (United States of America), NSW (New South Wales) or QLD (Queensland), do not flow into a usable word of phrase, therefore are known as, ‘initialisms’

analogy (a–nal–o–gee)

relationship; similarity; resemblance; equivalent; figure of speech; simile; correlation; link; comparison; likeness; match; symbol; accordance; approximation; likening the comparable resemblance between two things on which a comparison may be made; also, a slight or moderate similarity in particular circumstances on which a comparison maybe formed

examples:

clock = ticker = heart

clock = face = dial = face = moosh

clock = strike = punch = to clock someone in the dial = face

fuck = intercourse = root = sex

heart and the Clock = ticker

heart and the pump = thump = steal

proboscis = trunk = snout = snozzle = nose

penis = prick = a sexual connotation to penetrate

penis = prick = obnoxious person or thing

pickle= quandary or pickle = dill = idiot = dill = drongo = fool

prick = thrust = offensive = abusive = of a male = a prick

root = delve = prod = poke = enter = intercourse

root = dig = delve = root around = act foolish

shoestring = live on a shoestring = meagre income = survival

antonym: an antonym is a word which means the opposite of another word.

e.g., ‘like is the antonym of hate’

colloquial: speech, phrases and writing are informally used, more so, in conversation

dialect: a form of language or pronunciation of words spoken in a particular area

dictionary: a language book or electronic data, that lists words in alphabetical sequence with their meanings, pronunciation and usage

idiom: The language of connotation, mode, vernacular; the distinctive expression peculiar to the language of a country or people, e.g. ‘he has a flea in his ear’ (he’s angry)

idiom; Australian (Aussie) Idiom:

Aussie idiom – slang, is an inherent mix of metaphrase, derogatory exclamations; expressions of concern or amazement, insinuation, ridicule and jest. At times, it is regarded as being eccentric; inferior or a vulgar, crude, abusive, irreverent or politically incorrect language

jargon: vocabulary meaningful only to a particular profession, trade or group e.g., military jargon, medical jargon, sports or office jargon

semantics: the methodical study of meanings of words in language

simile: (sim–ill–ee)

(a) a figure of speech relating to the comparison of one thing to another, of a different kind, e.g. ‘as a man like an ox (of strength)’ or ‘agile as a monkey (nimble)’

(b) an expression in which a person or object is depicted as being comparable to someone or something else

(c) analogous, comparison, facsimile, procedure, guise, appearance, resemblance, symbol

similitude:

a person or thing resembling the like or counterpart or equal of another; an allegory; the characteristic of the circumstance of being similar

sobriquet: a nickname

synonym: a word identical or comparable in meaning to another ‘unhappy is a synonym of sad’

syntax: the syntax of a language is its rules in the way its words are arranged, into sentences and phrases

theme: short informal essay; a topic or a musical composition, theme song or tune

vernacular: (say, ver–nak–yoo–lar) the accepted formal or informal language of a country, used locally or in everyday speech

Rhyming Slang

(Australian Stylised)

"We are going down the ‘frog and toad’ to the ‘rubbity dub’ will go through the ‘Rory O’Moore’ we will breast the ‘near and far’ and order a couple of ‘Al Galeas and we won’t get ‘Elephants trunk’

‘Too bloody right china’ (shortening of the rhyming slang word china plate = mate)

translation:

We are going down the ‘road’ to the ‘pub’ through the ‘door’ and breast ‘the bar’ order ‘two beers’ and we won’t get ‘drunk’.

‘Yes, mate, we will do just that!’

examples –

A

B

rhyming word is shortened to butchers

‘Have butchers at this document’

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

There are hundreds of examples of rhyming slang in use with new ones being composed in the modern language, all the time.

Elliptical Rhyming Slang

Elliptic slang is an extract of rhyming slang where the rhyming word is omitted or used in a shortened form. Australians are disposed to talk in this manner however, the overall meaning is still there, just as clear, just as plain as in the following examples:

(1) a Captain Cook = look

shortened to ‘Captain’

Here ya go have a ‘captain’ at this letter and tell me what ya think

(2) Adrian Quist = pissed (intoxicated) shortened to ‘Adrian’

"Strewth mate, you’ll have to drive me home because I’m half Adrian (slightly intoxicated).

‘I can’t mate, because I’m fully bloody Adrian (drunk) myself’

(3) babbling brook = cook

shortened to ‘babbler’

We are starving so we are going to see the babbler and get her to whip–up a quick snack (light meal)

(4) billy lids = kids

shortened to ‘billies’

How are you and the billies going, orright? (are you and the kids alright)

(5) butchers hook = crook (sick)

shortened to ‘butchers’

Are you okay to drive Remo, you look a bit elephants? (slightly inebriated),to me

‘No, she’s sweet mate, (I am alright), I’ve just been a bit butchers (sick), in the comic cuts (rhyming slang comic cuts = guts),that’s all’

(6) china plate = mate

shortened to ‘china’ or ‘old china’

We served in the army together and he was my best china and as the years rolled by, we still are old china’s

(7) comic cuts = guts

shortened to ‘comics’

G’day mate, how’s it going?’

Oh! pretty good, but the missus’ isn’t; she’s crook (sick) in the "comics’

Not up the duff (pregnant) is she?

‘No! No! by crikey she isn’t in the pudden club (pregnant), that’s for sure’

(8) elephants’ trunk = drunk

it is shortened to ‘elephants’

I’m going to the pub and I’m going to get completely elephants, mate

(9) farmer Giles = piles

shortened to ‘farmers’

I won’t be playing any sport today because my bloody farmers (haemorrhoids) are playing up something shocking (bleeding)

(10) ¹Gregory Peck = cheque

shortened to ‘Gregory’

Mate her bloody Gregory was rubber and it bounced (was dishonoured)

(11) ²Gregory Peck = neck

shortened to ‘Gregory’

"Didn’t have a pillow last night and now I have a pain in the Gregory’

(12) Khyber pass = arse

shortened to ‘Khyber’

What about you getting off your Khyber and doing some yakka (work), ay?

(13) lemonade and sars = the arse shortened to ‘lemonade

What happened to that bludger (lazy) bloke working on the wool press?

‘Oh! him, he was too slow, so they gave him a kick (figuratively) in the "lemonade and then, gave him the bullet (sacked him)’

(14) mince pies = eyes;

shortened to ‘mincers’

She has black hair and those beaut blue mincers, she is so grouse (good) looking, dontcha (don’t you) think?

(15) Niagara Falls = balls

shortened to ‘niagara’s’

He got hit in the niagara’s; Boy! did that make his eyes water (signifying pain)

(16) Noah’s ark = shark

shortened to ‘Noah’

‘She was grabbed by a bloody great Noah and it munched her leg off’

(17) Onkaparinga = finger

shortened to ‘onka’

I had the right–of–way but she arced–up (became heated) and she gave me the onka, fair dinkum, she did mate

(18) Onkaparinga’s = fingers

shortened to ‘onka’s’

‘‘Keep your bloody onka’s out of my tool box or I’ll cut them off, ya thieving bugger"

(19) optic nerve = perve

shortened to ‘optic’

Cast an optic at that mob of young sheila’s in their bikinis; Whew! mate; steady as she goes now (don’t get too excited); what a nice perv (view, look at), ay?

(20) on your Pat Malone = you’re own or alone; shortened to ‘on your Pat’

You are going to a different job–site tomorrow

‘She’ll be sweet boss (okay, that’s good) but who is going with me?’

"‘No one mate, you’ll be on your Pat’

(21) Oxford scholar = a dollar

shortened to ‘Oxford’

I say bloke (man), I’m hungry; ya wouldn’t have a couple of oxfords in ya kick (pocket), would ya?

(22) plates of meat = feet

shortened to ‘plates’

I’ve been walking for kilometres (miles) and my plates are giving me buggery (sore or aching feet)

(23) Reg Grundies = undies

shortened to ‘Grundies’

Before ya go out take a shower and put on yer clean Grundies

‘No sweat (will comply), mum’

(24) ¹ rifle range = change (coins) shortened to ‘rifle’

Ah! Here’s a parking meter mate, ya got any ‘rifle’ in yer kick (pocket)?

(25) snakes hiss = piss (urinate); shortened to ‘snakes’

My bladder is busting, I’ve got to have a snakes, immediately

(26) snakes hissed = pissed = drunk; shortened to ‘snakes’

Crikey! Don’t give that young bloke any more piss (beer), he is absolutely snakes now

(27) septic tank = yank, shortened to ‘septic’ or ‘seppo’

‘The Aussies supported the ‘septics’ in many a long war and lots of those septics took on (married) Aussie women and they settled in the land of Oz (Australia); conversely some of those sheilas left Australia to settle in the land of the good old septics (USA). For clarification of this terminology refer to the general section listed under S Septic Tanks →

(28) Spanish dancer = cancer

shortened to ‘Spanish’

She was smoking two packets a day and now she is croaking from ‘Spanish’ of the lungs ‘The message is, throw–away the flaming fags (cigarettes), now! ‘DON’T SMOKE!!! fer Christsake, more over for your sake’

(29) tit for tat = hat

shortened to ‘titfer’

Grab yer coat and yer titfer, we will leave here now

(30) Warrick Farm = arm

shortened to ‘warricks’

He is a bit woofy (smelly) under the warricks (arm pits)

Faunal Slang

Unique faunal slang relates mainly to Australian animals, birds, fish and insects; it is used as intensifiers to emphasise or stress the strength of an exclamation or assertion or to enhance the subject matter

A

ant; angry ant

a small short aggressive person

ant; game as a pissant

fearless

ant; white ant somebody

to undermine them

B

bandicoot; bald as a bandicoot

hairless

bandicoot; barmy as a bandicoot

crazy; silly

bandicoot; lousy as a bandicoot

miserly; penny–pinching

bandicoot; miserable as a bandicoot despondent; glum

bat; to have bats in the belfry

be crazy or be eccentric

bitzer

a dog derived from mixed breeding

blue heeler or bluey

an Australian cattle or sheep dog

blowfly; a blowie

sporadic; erratic

He’s like a blowie on a summers day boomer ; a large male kangaroo

something resounding with popularity or success; ie, a boomer of a day, a concert or large enjoyable party

a boomer of a time or experience

bunyip

a fanciful person

(a bunyip is a mythical aboriginal dream time bush spirit / creature, believed to live in swamps and billabongs

brumby; a wild unbroken bush horse

a wild headstrong person

He’s a bit of a brumby

budgie = a budgerigar;

a small Australian bird mainly yellow and

green but also of a variety of colours; a parakeet; bred as a pet talking bird

C

cat = kitten = a pussy = moggie = cat

cat; whip the cat or flog the dog

invective, to reproach or abuse oneself; show remorse

chicken = a dumbcluck = a stupid person

chicken = play chicken = a person with the intellect of a chicken = a feather brain

cockatoo = cocky = cocky bastard

an overconfident person; of smugness

cockatoo = cocky =

cocky farmer = one with a small rural holding

cockatoo = cocky; mouth like the bottom of a cocky’s cage

foul; unclean

cockatoo = cocky; since cocky was an egg for a long time

chook = fowl = hen

I hope your chooks turn into emu’s and kick your dunny door down = chastisement; rebuke

¹crayfish; = an Australian freshwater crustacean known as a yabby (aboriginal) Delectable fare

²crayfish; ocean crustacean = lobster

croc = crocodile

fresh or saltwater

crow; nothing to crow about

self-adulation for a mundane or unremarkable act

crow; to crow over

be boastful; triumphant

crow; stands out like a black crow in a bucket of milk

something quite obvious

crows; stone the crows

an utterance of surprise, wonderment or that of aggravation

crows; relating to the dryness of a far outback rural area particularly in the state of South Australia

Where the crows fly backwards to keep the dust out of their eyes

D

dingo; a tawny yellow indigenous, Australian dog

a cowardly type of person

dingo; I’m as dry as a dead dingo’s donger (penis) = a raging thirst

dingo; weak and cowardly

"He is a milk–sop and a dingo

dingo; high as a dingo’s howl =

smelly; putrid

dingo; put on or pull on a dingo act become sly; cunning; calculating

dingo; turn dingo

act cowardly; become untrustworthy

dingo’s breakfast

have a scratch a piss, survey one’s domain, but usually eats no food

dingo; a streak of dingo

a cowardly; treacherous person

dog act, a dog act

despicable deed

It was a dog act, committed by a mongrel (bad person)

dog; every dog has its day =

no one is always unlucky; of success or comeuppance = of good or bad times

dog, putting on the dog

a pretentious; showy person

dogs breakfast; it’s all over the place like a dog’s breakfast = messy; shambolic

dogs; gone to the dogs

of financial or physical ruin; one leading a defiled existence

donkey; talk the leg off of a braying donkey = babble; gossip

donkey dick

a nick–name for a male who has a large penis

¹duck = a quack

a charlatan or medical impostor or a doctor of poor performance, is deemed to be a quack

²duck = quack a qualified general practitioner (physician) or a surgeon, is also known as a quack

(1) Don’t go to that doctor he’s a bloody quack

(2) Go to the quack down the road, she is the best quack in town (of respect for skill and care of patients)

duckling; an ugly duckling

an unattractive or uncompromising child

E

eagle; the golden eagle has landed

a worker’s pay day

emu; he could kick the arse of an emu in full flight

an adroit person

emu; an emu’s breakfast

to pick at one’s food

emu’s; I hope your chooks turn into emu’s and kick your dunny door down, of admonishment

F

fish; tight as a fish’s arse

to be miserly

fishy: smells a bit fishy

improbable as a tale or questionable proposition or that of a dubious character

fly; be like a fly on the wall

to witness something surreptitiously

fowl = chook = hen = chicken

foxy; a foxy bastard

= cunning; sly; scheming person

foxy; a foxy lady

= a shrewd sexy beautiful woman of individuality

G

galah; I could eat a galah in a bark sandwich = famished

galah; don’t be a flaming galah

= silly = stupid = irresponsible

galah; a galah’s meeting = a gathering of women

galah; silly as a galah = eccentric; stupid

galah; mad as a gumtree full of galahs = frenetic; stridently infuriated

galah; make a proper galah of yourself = to do something stupid; cause oneself embarrassment

goanna;

I could eat a goanna between two slabs of bark = to be ravenous

goanna; who’ll tickle the ivories (play) on the old goanna = piano

goose; wild goose chase = pointless pursuit searching for something non-existent

goose; don’t be a silly goose = childish

goose; a wigwam for a goose’s bridle

an imaginary article

H

hen = fowl = chook

hen = a dumbcluck = a stupid person; one with the intellect of a chook = a hen

hens = chooks = women

a hens’ night out or a hens’ meeting (a get together)

horse; bring the horse to the cart, not the cart to the horse

use one’s common sense

horse; chaff burner

any type of horse

horse; you can take the horse to water, but you can’t make it drink

sagacity; levelheadedness

horse = nag; slow as an old nag incompetent; boring

horse; talk the leg off a horse

incessant chatter

horse; workhorse; to be treated like a workhorse

be forced to work long, hard hours

horses arse; an incompetent or foolish person; to affront someone

horses; spare the flaming horses

go slower; don’t work so hard; talk slowly

horses; don’t spare the horse

go fast; don’t stop

I

Iguana brass = arse

rhyming slang shortened =

stop scratching your iguana in public

J

joey = baby kangaroo still using its mothers pouch or a joey in the pouch = pregnant

Joey’s = baby kangaroo’s = little children

jumbuck = a sheep

K

kangaroo = roo

he is about as happy as a boxing roo, in a fog; despairing; miserable

kangaroo; if he bought a kangaroo it wouldn’t hop = a luckless or ill–fated person

kangaroo = roo = jackeroo or jillaroo

male and female station (farm) workhands employed on large country properties

kangaroo = roo

nervous as a mother roo in a room full of pickpockets

kangaroo = screw = a prison warder

kangaroo; to kangaroo the dyke

take a crouching position atop of the toilet pan

kangaroos; no kangaroos in the top paddock;

unintelligent, eccentric or mad

kangaroo’s = a mob (herd or group) of roos

kangaroo court; an unofficial or mock court with disregard for legality

He was seized by the prisoners who held a kangaroo court and he was found guilty of being a grass (informer) and he received a biffing (belting) also some of the slipper treatment (kicking) thrown in (for good measure)

kelpie; an Australian bred sheep or cattle dog

kookaburra bird;

dry as a kookaburras Khyber; (rhyming slang Khyber Pass = arse) in the Simpson desert = dehydrated

kookaburra bird: laughing jackass

a fool; joker

kookaburra bird; a bushman’s clock

L

lizard; flat out like a lizard drinking

very busy

lizard; he’s done–up like a pet lizard = dressed in a showy way

lizards; starve the lizards

an expression of astonishment or

indignation

M

mackerel; holy mackerel

an exclamation of surprise or amazement

magpie; you’re a magger (talker) you mag away like a magpie

rapid, continuous chatter of little understanding or objective

mud lark; as dirty or wet as a mudlark

of a child covered in mud or saturated

Mallee bull; fit as or as strong a Mallee bull

healthy or robustness

Mallee bull; randy as a Mallee bull sexually aroused

mosquito = mozzie; the mozzies in Oz are so big they use them in the outback as helicopters for droving cattle (or so they say!)

mule; mule–headed =

obdurate; determined

muley; stubborn; cantankerous

mullet; a stunned mullet

= become flabbergasted or dumbfounded

Murray cod; on the Murray cod

rhyming slang = on the nod = on credit

N

nag = horse; slow as an old nag

dawdling; unhurried

O

owl; hoot owl

(a) it’s not worth a hoot

(b) I don’t give a hoot (c) what a hoot

(1) it’s of no value

(2) I’m unconcerned

(3) an amusing thing or a funny joke; an hilarious scene

owl; to have eyes like an owl

to be observant; able to see in poor light

P

parrot; pissed as a parrot

intoxicated

penguin; poofy penguin

a male who flounces along with a rolling gait in an effeminate manner

pig; hair like a bush pigs arse

spiked or course hair

pigheaded; = obdurate; determined

pig; policeman

derogatory ; pejorative; demeaning

pigs; pigs arse or shortened to pigs

of refusal or stubbornness; contradiction

pigs–ear; chuck down (drink) a pig’s–ear rhyming slang = a beer

pigs to you; =

derision; contempt; to refute a statement

possum; go like a possum up a gum tree dash off; be quick

possum; hello possum

a friendly, convivial greeting

possum; play possum

play dead or dumb

possum; stir the possum

in a meeting with others, one who creates indecision by deliberately causing controversy, to gain one’s own objective

prawn; act or carrying on, like a prawn

to be foolish or idiotic

prawn; don’t come the raw prawn with me don’t be deceptive; rude or offensive to me

Q

quokka; queer as a quokka

be eccentric; of strange habits;

a homosexual

R

rabbit; a bit of a rabbit

a foolish, timid person

rabbit; rabbit on

jabber; excited chatter

rabbit; the rabbit run

for someone to take their turn in going to a hotel for supplies of beverages

rabbit; timid as a rabbit

shy, introverted

rabbit; underground mutton

rabbits; thank yer mother for the rabbits an expression of gratitude for a gift, loan or service

rat; dirty rat

a despicable person

rat; rat on

inform on; betray

rooster; today a rooster tomorrow a feather duster

the uncertainty of one’s success in a competitive field or job

roo = kangaroo = roo = hooroo= goodbye

S

shag; have a shag

participate in sexual intercourse

shag; left like shag on a rock

forsaken; friendless; alone; stood–up

shag me dead

an exclamation of disbelief or concern

sheep; dumb as an ewe

unintelligent; stupid

snake; off like a cut snake

slip away very fast

snake; mad as a cut snake

enraged or crazy

snakes hiss

piss; to urinate

snaky

short tempered; in a foul mood

sparrow fart; up at sparrow fart

arise from one’s bed at dawn

T

tortoise; flat out like a tortoise

going as quick as one can, steady but slow

U

underground mutton = rabbit

V

vampire bat

a coldblooded, ruthless person who preys on others

vulture

a rapacious person that preys ruthlessly on others

W

wallaby; walking the wallaby track

walking or hiking along bush tracks to farms and towns seeking work

whale; a whale of a time

immense pleasure or experience; a great or a fine time

wolf; keep the wolf from the door

provide food to avert oneself from hunger; stave off poverty

wolf in sheep’s clothing

one who conceals their hostility or bad intent behind a friendly or harmless looking countenance but is really quite dangerous

wombat; act like a wombat

slow but purposeful; eats, roots and leaves

woofer; a dog

Y

yabby

an Australian freshwater crayfish is known as a yabby or goolgy (aboriginal)

yak

talk; chat

yakked on or yakking away

lengthy chatter or continuous and aimless talk

yakety–yak

too much pointless chatter

yakka = work; manual labour

Z

zebra crossing = a section of white striped lines on black asphalt, for pedestrian road crossings; which takes precedence over all vehicles

Aa

A.C.T. Australian Capital Territory

a–1 (a – one)

unparalleled; first class; excellent; tremendous

The concert performance was A–1, as was the theatre and service

an a 1 bloke

a good man, reliable and trustworthy

I would offer this man friendship, assistance or employment because he is an A–1 bloke

¹a–ok (okay)

functioning correctly; in good working order

(1) Is everything going along as it should?

‘Yes, no worries it is all a–ok’

(2) You’ve bought a second–hand car is the engine all right?

‘No worries mate, she’s a–ok’

²a–ok (okay)

very good; most acceptable

Were all the events as good as advertised?"

‘My oath (absolutely); they were a–ok"

a–over–h; to fall, arse over head

I ran and tried to hurdle the obstacle but failed; I went a–over–h, instead

a–over–t (arse over tit)

to be tipped head over heels; upended; slip or trip over

I was running too fast, tripped on a boondie (a stone) and went a–over–t

a; the big a; give someone the big a

(a) to snub, ignore

(b) reject or dispose of something

(c) to sack someone

(1) He’s very rude bugger just give him, give him the big A (the arse)

(2) I scrubbed (rejected) their new product and told them that their goods were of poor quality and their business ethic ponged (stunk) therefore, we have given you and your company the big A

(3) He’s a lazy bludger (an idler) wouldn’t work in an iron lung, so he was given the big A (the sack) = (the arse)

a bit rich

(a) beyond the bounds of decorum

(b) ridiculous (c) over exaggerated

(1) When she said that your mini–skirt was beyond the bounds of respectability, now that was a bit rich

(2) To even suggest that you would work for half the hourly rate, was a bit bloody rich

(3) His choice of words when he berated you were a bit rich

a bit strong

to be assertive; forceful

I know he sacked you, you bastard, and that he called you a lazy bludger, which you are, but to call your dog a mongrel and kick it, now that’s a bit strong

a good root and a fart would kill him a weak, timid, insipid man

The sheilas won’t go out with him because they know a good root and a fart would kill him

a rooster one day, a feather duster the next

the uncertainty of success in a competitive field or job

I worry about the lack of loyalty in this place, you’re a rooster one day and a feather duster the next, when they give you the chop (terminate)

abo

(at times considered to be derogatory) a shortened form of Aboriginal as Aussie is to an Australian

aborigines

indigenous; the first race of people known to populate Australia

about

(a) nearly there; not quite accurate; it will do

(b) a reluctant indirect manner admitting something is correct or a fact

(1) That’s about right pal, it’s near enough

(2) Well yeah, I guess, okay, that would be about right, mate

about as useful as a drover’s pup

scatter–brained, inept

That new apprentice is about as useful as a drovers pup, ya know

about–face

a complete turnaround or sudden change in one’s belief, opinion, attitude, position, or principle

At first he voted against the proposition, then he, did an about–face

above board

to be openly honest with no hidden agenda

This proposition, is it above board?

‘Yeah mate, its fair dinkum (true) with no bloody trick ups (and honest)’

absolutely or abso–bloody–lutely

yes; definitely; certainly; indeed; beyond doubt

Are you sure that this is correct?

‘Absolutely, mate’

abuse; hurling abuse

shouting insults; swearing at

That fellow is deranged as he is forever hurling abuse at his workmates

abysmal

terribly bad; appalling; dreadful

(1) We couldn’t do any outside work today as the weather was abysmal

(2) We stayed at an abysmal hotel were most unhappy

accidently on purpose

to do something deliberately but pretending it was an accident

This thing is always giving trouble; I’m going to break it, accidently on purpose of course; keep it to yerself (tell no one what I did), will ya?

accord; of one’s own accord

voluntarily; willingly; freely; spontaneously

Were you asked to contribute?

‘No mate, did it on me own accord’

account; give a good account of (oneself)

(a)defend (b) present oneself well

(1) The other bloke was bigger than he but he gave a good account of himself

(2) ‘‘She was very positive and gave a good account of herself in the presentation"

account; take something into account

give consideration to or make allowance for; include it in one’s planning

When you are drafting your quotation, take into account future costs of material

account; of no account

insignificant; not to matter

Don’t apologise for what you have said; it is of no account

ac–dc

bisexual

Don’t ask how I know but I do, that fella is definitely ac–dc

ace

excellent; a winner

(1) "Last night we had an ace time at an ace restaurant

(2) He is an ace, in no matter what sport he plays

ace; on one’s ace

(a) alone; on my own

(b) on the point of leaving somewhere

(1) Are you with anybody here?

‘No mate on my ace (I’m alone)’

(2) Are you in a hurry fella?

‘Yes, I’m within an ace of leaving (about to depart)’

ace it up

be quiet; stop it

(1) Righto you kids I can’t hear myself think, ace it up

(2) You can’t upset me in what you are implying or doing, so just ace it up, ya dill (fool)

ace; serve up an ace

in tennis; in business

(1) A winning serve

(2) A winning move

ace; to be ace

of quality; outstanding; of excellence

(1) These tools look good but are they, mate?

‘They are the best mate, they are ace’

(2) Is she any good at what she does?

‘Yes, she is ace in all aspects’

ace; to be an ace

to be a champion or the best at something (particularly in sport)

He is an ace racing driver and she is an ace swimmer

Aerial ping–pong

a synonym for Australian Rules football

It is Australia’s favourite team game, is the good old aerial ping–pong

ache; face–ache

an aggravating, bothersome, person

Listen here face–ache, you’re getting on my nerves, so why don’t you bugger off (go away)

ache; to be an ache in the freckle or bum

to cause unnecessary concern to upset or worry someone

I can’t help you any more you have become a complete ache in the bloody freckle (anus)

¹acid; put the acid on

to exert pressure on someone in a manner, that refusal of a request is all but impossible

He put the acid on me, said his family were desperate, so I had to give him a few bob (bucks)

²acid; put the acid on (someone)

to unashamedly ask a women to have sex Listen, that bloke there, whom I don’t know, blatantly put the acid on me (ask for sex); he said, if I didn’t do it for him, that he would give you a bash (a try), for a bit of how’s yer father (suggestive of procreation, sex); I’d watch out for him (he could be a bad man to know, so stay away from him)

acid; take the acid off

to cease pressuring someone

That fellow is working so good now that you can take the acid, off him

ack–willie

a military term for one who is ‘away without leave permission’ (a.w o l)

If it’s past midnight and you are not back in camp, you will be considered as being ack–willie, (a.w.o.l)

acre

(a) bottom, bum or anus (b) large numbers

(1) Don’t annoy me mate or I’ll give you a swift kick right up the acre

(2) There were acres and acres of people on the beach and I couldn’t find a spot, to sun bake

acre; a foot in the acre

to receive a kick in the posterior; bum

If you keep on being stupid, I’ll give you a good swift kick in the acre

acrimony

showing nothing but anger

I don’t know about you; you’re always cracking the shits

acrimonious

aggrieved; spiteful

Why are you so acrimonious in the work place? Your bitterness tends to rub people up the wrong way (makes them uncooperative) pisses them off, ya know?

acronym: an acronym is a smooth flowing word formed from initials or groups of letters of a phrase; e.g., – ‘ANZAC’’ from, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps; or that of pushing the ‘STEM’ = ‘Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics’

Whereas abbreviations such as USA (United States of America), NSW (New South Wales) or QLD (Queensland), do not flow into a usable word of phrase, therefore are known as, ‘INITIALISMS’

act; bung, put or stack on an act

(a) to lose one’s temper, throw a tantrum (b) pretence; a rude outburst

(1) He really lost it (became very angry) and boy did he bung on an act

(2) He reckons he is crook (sick) but he’s only putting on an act, to gain your sympathy to get the day off work

(3) Don’t come in here being rude and noisy because the manager, will stack on an act

act; bunging on an act

(a) pretending to be something which you are not

(b) not being truthful about oneself

(1) I’m the boss of that big show (conglomerate) over there, ya know

‘Fair dinkum, is that right? Mate, I think that your bunging on an act though, aren’t ya?’

(2) I don’t seem to get along with other people because they think that I’m forever bunging on an act; which often, they could be right

act or be your age

to be told to behave; act in a manner in keeping with one’s age

"You tend to present yourself in a childish manner; why