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Need help understanding the locals? Then be sure to read our handy guide on Aussie slang.

Although Australia is an English speaking country, you have probably noticed that the locals speak a completely different form of English than any other English speaking nation on earth. You might have noted that Australians have a tendency to shorten most words, or perhaps you've come across some terms or expressions you've never heard before and felt confused. Don't feel discouraged, you’re not alone, even other native English speakers sometimes find it difficult to understand Australians.

Australian English, or the way Australians pronounce English words is called strine, and it is often characterized by making words as short as possible. Strine is said to have developed by speaking through clenched teeth to avoid flies from getting into the mouth. The best thing to do to better understand Australians is try and expose yourself to more Australian content such as Aussie TV shows, movies, books, newspapers and online material. 

To help you avoid getting into a few awkward situations, we've created a list of Australian terms that you should know to help you get by in the land Down Under.

• Arvo - afternoon
• Avo - avocado
• Aussie - Australian
• Barbie - barbeque
• Bathers - swimsuit
• Brekky - breakfast
• Brolly - umbrella
• Chrissie - Christmas
• Ciggy - cigarette
• Esky - a cooler, an insulated container that keeps things cold (usually beers)
• G'day - hello
• Good on ya - good work
• Mozzie - mosquito
• No worries - it's OK
• Roo - kangaroo
• Stubbie holder - a polystyrene insulated holder for a stubbie, which is a 375ml bottle of beer.
• Straya - Australia
• Ta - thank you
• Tradie - tradesman

We hope you find this beginner's guide useful. If you're ready for the next step, and wish to expand your Aussie vocabulary, you can find lots of great slang dictionaries online or watch this fun YouTube clip - How to speak Australian: abbreviate everything.

Want to sound more like a native speaker?

The Pronunciation in Context course at Greenwich College is an intensive program that will help you improve your English-speaking skills quickly, build awareness of the sounds, stress and rhythm of the English language and improve pronunciation so you can speak confidently in everyday situations – from ordering food at a restaurant to speaking in a job interview.