An Australian friend is most commonly called a "mate," a versatile term meaning friend, buddy, or companion, but it can also refer to a partner, colleague, or stranger, and its tone changes with inflection to mean anything from friendly greeting to serious admonishment. While historically masculine, "mate" is increasingly used in a gender-neutral way and can even signify fun among young women, though "mateship" embodies deeper loyalty.
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.
"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.
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.
Etymology and Slang Usage. In Australian and New Zealand slang, yakka(often used in the phrase hard yakka) means hard work or strenuous labor. The word originates from the Yagara Aboriginal language of Queensland, where yaga means work.
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.
Buddy. This one is definitely more common in the US and Canada. In a way, it's almost the North American equivalent to the term "mate." In some instances, this word might be shortened to "bud," which essentially means the same thing.
Common Australian slang for a girl includes "Sheila" (older, sometimes dated or slightly derogatory), "chick," or just using general terms like "mate," "gal," or "lass," with context and tone being important, but "girl" is still widely used; some slang, like "moll," can refer to a girlfriend or a promiscuous woman, while "bogan" describes an unsophisticated person.
Another classic case of Australians shortening everything. Meaning 'thank you', ta is usually used for the times when you are in a rush or want to send a quick text to show your appreciation for something.
White Australian
“G'day” What does it mean? General greeting, used instead of “hello”, both day and night. Often combined with “mate”, as in…
C O B B A /ˈkɒbə/ noun INFORMAL•AUSTRALIAN Alternate way of spelling 'Cobber', Australian colloquial for mate, friend, good bloke.
Here are some Aussie slang words that you might not know. 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.
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.
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.
What does BSF mean? BSF is textspeak and internet slang for best friend.
"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.
"Oy oy oy" in Australia is most famously part of the patriotic chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!" used at sporting events to show national pride, but "Oi" also functions as a general Australian informal interjection, like "hey" or "excuse me," to get someone's attention. The chant itself comes from the British "Oggy Oggy Oggy" cheer for Cornish pasties and became popular in Australia after the 2000 Olympics.
How to practice an Australian accent
1. Arvo. This is arguably the most used word on the whole list. Arvo is short for afternoon.
Yes, "Koori" (or Koorie/Goori) is an appropriate regional term for Aboriginal people from southeastern Australia (NSW/Victoria), but it's always best to ask an individual their preference or use broader terms like "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander" or "First Nations people" if you're unsure, as "Koori" is specific to a region and not all Indigenous Australians identify with it. Using specific nation names (like Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara) is even better if known, but "Koori" is a respectful, reclaiming term for its specific area.
muso1967– Australian. A musician; esp. a classical one.