The most common Australian word for friend is "mate," used for close friends, acquaintances, or even strangers as a friendly greeting (e.g., "G'day, mate!"). While it signifies companionship and goodwill, its usage varies, sometimes implying a deeper bond or just a casual address, and can even be used ironically.
Mate. “Mate” is a popular word for friend. And while it's used in other English-speaking countries around the world, it has a special connection to Australia.
In English, there are plenty of different ways to refer to your friends, from words like “dude” and “pal” to AAVE terms like “sis” and “bestie.” The terms are typically interchangeable with one another, but there are some that are used by particular dialects or in specific situations.
Depends on where in Australia someone is. Generally a friend is considered a 'good mate', whereas a 'mate' is anyone on the street. ``How you going,mate?'' ``Good thanks, mate. Yourself?'' ``Not bad, mate.'' ``Damn, what a cunt.''
Mate = Friend
One of the most commonly used Australian slang words, "mate", refers to a friend, buddy, or companion.
The term 'bro' (a contraction of brother) is American slang that is catching on in Australia, primarily via the young. But more to the point, bro is usurping that most Australian of terms, mate.
Generally speaking, we'd use friend more frequently. Use "friend." "Buddy" literally means "brother." It is an imitation of the way a toddler might say the word "brother" when he is learning to speak. It therefore means "a very close friend who is almost like a brother," and is more often used about men than women.
Australians are very friendly people and can establish relationships quickly. They can greet someone they just met with the word 'mate' or say 'How ya going, mate? ' to strangers. Aussies prefer being more informal and greet each other by their first name.
The word bestie is an informal shorthand for "best friend." It's been used for decades by people describing their closest confidants, but it began appearing in dictionaries as a slang term some time after 2010.
"Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy, Oi Oi Oi" (often written as "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi") is a patriotic Australian sports chant, a rallying cry of national pride, originating from older British cheers like "Oggy Oggy Oggy," with "Aussie" being slang for Australian, and "Oi" functioning as an emphatic interjection, similar to "Hey!" or "Go!". It's used at sporting events, sometimes considered a bit cheesy or "cringey" by some Australians, but generally seen as an inclusive way to support national teams.
Synonyms. STRONGEST. acquaintance ally associate buddy classmate colleague companion cousin partner roommate. STRONG. chum cohort compatriot comrade consort crony familiar intimate mate pal playmate schoolmate sidekick spare well-wisher.
"Bestie" is a colloquial term used by Gen Z to refer to a close friend, someone they consider their best friend. It highlights a deep bond and signifies a sense of trust, loyalty, and affection.
American Slang
Here are 5 common Aussie slang words/phrases: G'day (hello), Mate (friend), Arvo (afternoon), No worries (no problem/you're welcome), and Barbie (barbecue), with many Aussies shortening words (like Brekkie for breakfast, Servo for gas station) and using colourful terms for everyday things.
“ Buddy ” and “pal” first come to mind in American English. “Pal” seems a little old fashioned to me, however. There is also the slang term “ homie ” which you may encounter.
A "bogan" in Australia (and New Zealand) is slang for an uncouth, unsophisticated, or unrefined person, often from a working-class background, characterized by specific tastes, fashion (like mullets, flannelette shirts), speech, and behavior, though the term can be derogatory, humorous, or even self-adopted, depending on context and intent, referring to a laid-back, anti-establishment attitude rather than just poverty.
companionship. accord affection agreement closeness devotion good will harmony intimacy love pact rapport society solidarity understanding. STRONG.
Fam - For such an in-touch generation, it should come as no surprise that millennials treat their friends like family. “Fam” refers to individuals in a person's closest inner circle. A person's “fam” is someone they believe they can trust and consider family, whether blood-related or not.
Homie. Usually used with a close male friend (or female friend, sometimes). It's often used in English-speaking Spanish communities in America. “Yo, homie, you coming to the party?” or “What's up, homie?” are good examples of how the term might be used.
Woop Woop is used to refer to a place in the middle of nowhere. People use it to signify that a location is far away, unfamiliar to them, and difficult to get to.
The most Australian thing to say often involves casual abbreviations, laid-back optimism like "She'll be right" or "No worries," and unique slang for everyday items, such as "Arvo" (afternoon) or "Barbie" (barbecue), often delivered with "mate," making phrases like "G'day, mate, chuck us a coldie at the barbie this arvo?" quintessentially Aussie.
Spitting in the street or on the footpath, or dropping rubbish while walking is considered to be bad manners. Speaking loudly in public places is also generally frowned upon, especially at a higher volume level than others in the same area, e.g. on public transport, walking down the street or in a restaurant.
The four common types of friendships, often seen as levels, range from Acquaintances (surface-level connections) to Casual Friends (more regular interaction), then to Close Friends (deeper emotional support, trust, and vulnerability), and finally, Intimate/Lifelong Friends (family-like bonds, deep acceptance, and enduring commitment). Each type serves a different purpose, from social engagement to profound emotional support, with friendships evolving as life changes.
The biggest red flag in a friendship is a lack of reciprocity and respect for boundaries, where the relationship feels consistently one-sided, leaving you drained, unsupported, or feeling bad about yourself, with the friend only showing up when they need something or belittling you. A healthy friendship requires mutual effort, care, and feeling energized, not depleted, by the connection, according to sources like Psychology Today and SELF Magazine, and Spokane Christian Counseling.
In the hierarchy of friendships, intimate friends take the top spot. With such friends, no topics are off-limits. Fears, insecurities, sexual perversions — you can share anything. This level of openness is based on radical acceptance.