Australia has a Unique Dialect. Here are some Popular Terms They Use.

Everybody knows about shrimp on the barbie. If you're traveling to Australia, you'll need to know more Australian slang terms if you plan on interacting with any locals. Here are a few words or phrases that are commonly used in Australia that a North American might find baffling.

• Ankle biter. Small child.
• Arvo. Afternoon.
• Barrack for. This is the word that people Down Under use in place of "cheer for." Americans tend to use "root for," but that means something completely different here.
• Billabong. A watering hole in the middle of dry land.
• Bitumen. A road that is paved.
• Blue. A fight.
• Bonnet. The hood of a car.
• Brolly. Umbrella.
• Boot. The trunk of a car.
• Bottle shop. Place to buy beer, wine, spirits, and nothing else.
• Chemist. A small or large drugstore/pharmacy.
• Coat hanger. Refers to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Cut lunch. Sandwich.
• Fair dinkum. An acknowledgement of truth or agreement.
• Holiday. Vacation; time off.
• Lift. Elevator.
• Lolly. Candy, sweet.
• Mate. You probably know that this means friend, but it is by no means exchanged solely between long-time friends. Everybody uses is to address nearly everyone else.
• Sunbake. Sunbathe.
• Takeaway. Take-out or to-go food.
• Tinnie. A can of beer.
• Tomato Sauce. Ketchup.
• Windscreen. A car or truck windshield.

Like any dialect, Australia's colloquial words and phrases are many, and they change with time. Many also vary depending on which reason in which you're having a conversation. The savvy traveler will pick it up quickly, but if for whatever reason you don't understand what anyone is saying, don't be afraid to ask.

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