Australians most commonly refer to a plumber as a “dunny diver”. This is used throughout Australia by all generations and is based on the other slang term “dunny” for toilet. There are some other slang terms used, such as “pipey,” “tradey” or even “Super Mario”. “Dunny diver” is the most common.
Aussie Word of the Week
A dunny diver is a plumber, those stalwart tradies who install and repair piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with the water supply and drainage systems.
Plumbers have lots of nicknames. Pipey is one you hear often. Mario is occasionally thrown about by other tradies.
Whats a tradie? The word tradie or derives from the word “tradesman.” Tradesman who work in a trade or a job that requires particular skills are called Tradies — electricians, plumbers and carpenters have trade jobs.
tradie (plural tradies) (Australia, New Zealand, informal) A tradesman, a tradesperson.
Tradie: a tradesman.
Most of the tradies have nicknames too, including brickie (bricklayer), truckie (truckdriver), sparky (electrician), garbo (garbage collector) and chippie (carpenter).
“Hard yakka” means work hard. The word “yakka” – which first appeared in the 1840s – derives from the word for work (yaga). It comes from Yagara, an Indigenous language in Australia.
A brickie is a bricklayer. This piece of Aussie slang has been around for yonks and was recorded as early as 1900.
The term 'Chippy' is commonly used in Australia and the UK to refer to carpenters. The term is found as far back as the 16th century – no doubt in reference to the wood chips that flew as carpenters worked their magic. A proverb from 1770 states: 'A carpenter is known by his chips'.
A sparky is an electrician. A brickie is a bricklayer.
sanitation. fixtures. water system. drainage system. “There is plumbing for a washing machine and the room is vented for a tumble dryer.”
With their knowledge and expertise, they can identify potential hazards and take measures to prevent them. Plus, they are equipped with the proper tools and equipment to handle any situation safely. So next time you encounter a plumbing issue, prioritize safety and call a professional plumber to handle it.
From plumbum came plumbarius “a worker in lead,” a meaning that held up through Old French plomier, which became, in the 15th century, the English word plumber. Original plumbers were not experts in the flow of water and waste; they were simply people who worked in lead.
Sparkie: The Australian term for an Electrician.
Slang. an undercover operative or spy hired to detect or stop leaks of news or secret information, often using questionable or illegal methods, as illegal entry or wiretapping.
Bogan: Australian slang for a person whose speech, clothing, attitude and behaviour are unrefined or unsophisticated.
Wire Biter – Electrician.
Sparky – Slang for electrician. Spur – An additional connection, often taken from an existing socket in order to provide a supply to a new socket.
Q: And here in Australia? A: While Britain still heavily favours “lift”, in Australia you'll find both words used interchangeably.
A countertop, also counter top, counter, benchtop, worktop (British English) or kitchen bench (Australian or New Zealand English), bunker (Scottish English) is a raised, firm, flat, and horizontal surface.
If you're feeling unwell, you could say you are crook. If someone is angry, you could say they've 'gone crook'.
Contributor's comments: The term 'povo' comes from the word poverty. Contributor's comments: [North Geelong informant] I would also say that this is used to describe someone who is tight arsed but not necessarily poor. Contributor's comments: poor and despised person: "Take no notice of him - he's just a povo."
Bludger. A lazy person, someone who avoids work. eg. 'He never does any work – he's a total bludger.
Nenagh Kemp, a psychologist at the University of Tasmania, told Australian Geographic her theories behind why Australians use these shortened words so often. Her theory is that Australians use them as a way of coming across as more friendly and less pretentious.