Learn Australian
Are you feeling as lost as a kangaroo in a snowstorm when it comes to understanding Aussie lingo? Fear not mates! G'Day Galah is here to help you crack the code of the Australian language and become a true blue Aussie expert. So chuck a sickie, grab a cold one, and start learning the cultural quirks of the Aussie vernacular with us. Fair dinkum, you won't regret it!
These guides are fun informative self-paced online learning resources, so you set the pace. They are designed on the premise that you are familiar with English. These guides help you decipher Australian English. There are no tests, it’s all fun! Additional activities will help you to retain what you are learning.
Join G'Day Galah for a ripper time down under as we uncover the secrets of Aussie lingo and culture!
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Our comprehensive guides of Australian words and terms come with definitions, examples, pronunciations, and handy downloadables for further learning and reference.
Fun facts about Australian English
Australian English has some unique vocabulary, for example, 'lollies' are sweets, a 'doona' is a duvet, and a 'barbie' is a barbecue.
Long words are often shortened after the second syllable and the ending is replaced with an ‘i.e.’ or ‘o’. For example, afternoon is shortened to “arvo” and a truck driver is a truckie.
Many everyday Australian derive from the Indigenous languages, including kangaroo (one of the most recognised Australian animals), boomerang (a curved wooden tool used for hunting), billabong (a waterhole or isolated pond), and koala (a tree-dwelling marsupial), as well as place names like Canberra, meaning “meeting place,” reflecting the deep cultural influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on modern Australian English.
Read our tips on how to speak Australian.