Australian English to American English Dictionary

 I thought it was time to post a funny blog about some of the differences in language I have encountered during my time here in Australia.  You wouldn't think there would be a whole lot different since English is the primary language, but think again.  Australians have a language of their own and I still find myself lost in conversation even though I can understand what words are being said.  However, I've gotten to the point where I don't hear an accent in certain commercials anymore.  Assimilation here I come!  Therefore for your enjoyment and amusement, please enjoy a few of the new "Aussie English" words that I have learned.  And for all of my Aussie readers out there, please feel free to add any words I may have missed. 

• Arvo:  afternoon
• Barbie:  bbq.  Yes, Aussies do cook on the barbie, but no, they do not cook shrimp on the barbie.  If anything, they cook prawns on the barbie, not shrimp.
• Bickkies or biscuits:  cookies
• Bloke:  man.  Anyone that has been to Outback Steakhouse has learned this one.
  
• Bottle shop:  liquor store.  Alcohol is extremely expensive Down Under.  A case of the domestic beer we drink, Pure Blonde, costs around $49.  A bottle of domestic Yellow Tail wine costs around $13.  You can buy the same bottle of wine for $6 in the US.
  
• Brekkie:  breakfast
• Buggered:  tired or worn out
• Chook:  chicken
• Crook:  sick, not feeling well
• Dag:  goofy or an idiot.  Surprisingly enough, Michael has called me dag a few times before now.
  
• Dear or dearer:  expensive or pricey
• Dinner:  lunch.  You see where I would get extremely confused with this one.
  
• Dunny or brick shitter:  outhouse.  Although, I have yet to come across one still in use.
• Entree:  appetizer.  Again, see where I would be very confused by this one.
• Esky:  cooler or igloo
• Fair Dinkum:  true and genuine.  One of my favorite phrases to say even though I haven't quite mastered the context of when to say it.
• Fairy Floss:  cotton candy.  Upon discovering this one, I proceeded to ask Michael if he truly believed that fairies flossed their teeth with the stuff.  He said yes.
  
• Fart Sack:  bed.  I'll let your imagination ponder this one.
  
• Footy:  National Rugby League
• Fortnight:  2 weeks
• G'day:  hello 
• Good on ya:  good job, well done.  Also one of my most favorite Aussie expressions.
  
• Grog:  alcohol
• Heaps:  a lot or a bunch.  Believe me, Aussies use this word heaps too!
  
• Jumper:  jacket
• Lollies:  candy or sweets
• Mate:  friend or buddy and can be used for a male or female.
  
• Mozzie:  mosquito.  These buggers are everywhere and they bite!
• No dramas:  no worries mate...I think this one is self explanatory.
  
• Pissed:  to be drunk or getting drunk.  Can also mean to be mad in which case I think this is universal.
  
• Reckon:  best guess or to ask a question.  "Do you reckon...." or in response, "I reckon...."
  
• Rubbish:  trash or waste
• Shelia:  woman.  Again, anyone who has ever been to Outback Steakhouse knows this one.
• Smoko:  morning tea or break.  Aussies are religious about this morning break.  Promptly at 10am people gather to have a small snack and cup of tea or coffee.
  
• Stubby:  beer bottle
• Stubby cooler:  beer koozie
• Tea:  dinner
• Thongs:  flip-flops
• Wog:  to have the flu or illness

I know that there are a bunch that I have forgotten but thought this would at least be a good start.