30 Interesting Australian Words And Phrases That Foreigners Find Adorable

Chicken are Chooks, and Mosquitos are Mozzies

Damjan

• Published in Funny
• April 1, 2022

Any live language evolves over time, with different regions/groups/subcultures taking it in different directions. So, when we say Australia, what are the first few things that come to mind?

If preconceptions were to be believed, you would have imagined deadly fauna, koalas, kangaroos, loud yet friendly residents, world-class surfing, barbeques, and having a fantastic time at the beach. However, Australia is much more than what we see in movies, television shows, and the news.

And language plays a significant role in its magic. Although we all speak English, Australians have a plethora of colorful words, amusing idioms, breathtaking slang, and some absolutely magnificent linguistic liberties that rival the country's tremendous biodiversity.

We looked all over Twitter to see how non-Australians responded when they heard some of these amusing phrases, as well as a few other intriguing Australian facts. It was a fun task.

We adore cultural oddities. We've selected 30 of the most interesting posts that can be found on Twitter, and we know you are going to love them.

Of course, you should keep in mind that some of these phrases are merely the internet having a good time. The purpose is not to ridicule or insult, but to celebrate that wonderful country and its people.

1. Hey, mate!

2. Like, right now? That so ..... me off...

3. Potato gems

4. Chooks

5. Christmas bon-bons

6. Lets stop at the Bowser...

7. That can be so confusing...

8. Sausage dogs...

9. Bush walking

10. Those Australians sure love to celebrate...

11. It somehow makes sense...

12. Fairy floss

13. Brolleys

14. Urns..

Lisa McLendon from the University of Kansas is a professor of Journalism and Mass Communications and the coordinator of the Bremner Editing Center at KU. She says that "Any living language is always changing, and different regions/groups/subcultures take the language in different directions," and adds that geography is also a "significant factor" in language evolution.

"Some new words and phrases catch on quickly because they refer to something new: an object, an action, a job. Think about all the terms surrounding social media that didn’t exist 10 or 15 years ago. When a new thing comes along, we have to call it something."

McLendon explains that popularity via media can be another way how slang spreads.

"But then there are slang words and words that shift in meaning. Sometimes those move into the mainstream from a specific region, group, or subculture.

How? One way is media: say a popular TV show, movie or song uses a word—lots of people are then hearing the word and it can make the transition from niche to national."

15. It is a big country...

16. Tasty prawns...

17. Slippery dips

18. Well, look at the bright side, at least we...

19. Kangaroos are everywhere...

20. Docos can’t ever be boring...

21. The spicy cough

22. Whirlywinds...

23. Goons

24. Mozzies for Aussies

25. Sunnies

26. Removalists...

27. Sproodles

28. Whipper snippers

29. Quazzaaaaaap?

30. Austronauts

But not all expressions can claim to be long-lasting. Some are only fads that slip into obscurity far too fast, while others become ingrained in the language's DNA.

What makes some words more appealing? Is it the way they are pronounced, or is it the meaning?

No matter what the reason is, they are wonderful because they contribute to diversity. We don't want to live in a world where all people and languages are the same.

Damjan