Here are 15 Australian slang words and phrases that, at least to outsiders, are as rare as hen's teeth.
1. Sparrow's fart
This phrase is used to describe the early morning hours, when the sun is just starting to come up. It's also used to describe something that happens very early in the day. “Oi mate, those damn Kookaburras woke me up at sparrow’s fart again this morning”
2. Bonzer
This word means great, or fantastic. It can be used to describe anything from a person to a place to an event. For example, you might say, "That new restaurant is bonzer!"
3. Dinky-di
This word is used to describe something that is genuine or authentic. It's often used as a way of showing pride in something Australian made or grown. For example, you might say, "This dinki-di Aussie beer is the real deal!"
4. Fair suck of the sav
This phrase is used to express sympathy, disbelief or frustration and can be loosly translated to "that's not fair”. For example, you might say, "Fair suck of the sav, I can't believe I have to work on Saturday!"
5. London to a brick
This means that something is very certain to happen. For example, if you say, "I'm London to a brick that he'll pass his exams" - you're expressing high confidence.
6. Rack off
This is a way of telling someone to leave you alone or to stop bothering you. It's generally considered on the rude side and should only be used in informal situations.
7. Hit the dunny
Dunny being another word for toilet. Hitting the dunny means an urgent visit to the toilet.
8. She'll be apples
This phrase is used to reassure someone or to downplay a situation. For example, if your friend is worried about a new job interview they have, you might say, "She'll be apples mate, you'll do fine."
9. Hit the turps
This means to drink alcohol, usually to excess. It comes from the word "turpentine", which was once used as a cheap form of alcohol.
10. Not within cooee
This means that something is very far away, or just out of reach. It comes from the Aboriginal term "koo-ee", which means "to call out".
11. Bloody oath!
This is a strong affirmation, similar to "hell yeah!" or "damn right!”.
12. Drongo
A word used to describe someone who is foolish or stupid. For example, you might say, "Don't be such a drongo!"
13. Ya flamin' galah
This term is used to describe someone who is being silly or foolish. For example, you might say, “Stop being such a flamin’ galah!”
14. Strewth!
An exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
15. Like a rat up a drainpipe
This means someone is very busy or working hard. For example, you might say, "I've been like a rat up a drainpipe at work this week.”
