19 Iconic Australian Slang Phrases That We Never Actually Use (2024)

What it means: A girl or woman.

Sheila was definitely popular in Australian vocabulary like...a billion years ago. It's long since been retired in modern Australia, but I bet the rest of the world still thinks we use this word.

What it means: A word used to express surprise or dismay.

When I think of the word strewth, I immediately think of that guy from Crocodile Dundee. It sounds so stereotypically Australian, but I'm pretty sure no one really uses it today — unless you're in a rural area. Although, it would be a good descriptor for seeing Chris Hemsworth drenched in water. Strewth.

What it means: Used to express surprise, excitement or alarm.

Blimey sounds very British — in fact that's probably where this slang word originated from. It's very old fashioned sounding and I can guarantee non-Australians that no one says blimey anymore.

What it means: An expression of surprise or annoyance.

If you're a non-Australian who watches Home And Away, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is a common phrase. It's iconic, sure, and it's made even funnier with Alf's serious face. But no one — and I repeat no one — says this IRL.

What it means: A fool or idiot.

This is yet another phrase made popular through Alf on Home And Away. It's a lot more common than "stone the flamin' crows", but now a days you'll probably only hear it from old, angry men while they wave their walking stick at a bunch of young people.

What it means: That Australians like cooking and eating shrimp on the BBQ.

It's slightly alarming how many people (cough, Americans, cough) still think this phrase accurately represents Australia. In reality, shrimp don't exist here, or rather we call them prawns. So yeah, file this under iconic phrases that no Australian has ever used.

What it means:Basically, I'm not here to f*ck around.

Does anyone actually say this? The first time I heard this phrase was when I started working at BuzzFeed four years ago. Prior to that, not one single friend, family or stranger had ever said those six words to me.

What it means: In ye olde times, abob was a shilling in Australia — so a two-bob watch was essentially a cheap one that would be act up and be unreliable.

Considering that I had to look up what a two-bob watch even was, I can guarantee that the kids of today aren't using this Aussie phrase.

What it means: An expression of surprise.

Nothing is more Australian than the word "crikey" — especially since it's associated with our beloved Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin (may he rest in peace). But because Steve was such a huge fan of the word, it grew in popularity to the point where the rest of the world now associates it with everyday Australia. That's really not the case though — you would be hard pressed to find someone saying it casually, unless you were somewhere rural.

What it means: She'll be right. Can be used in situations as well, saying that things will be alright.

This is such a well-known Australian phrase, but I've never heard someone say it in its entirety. Instead, everyone just says "she'll be right" — never "she'll be apples".

What it means:Very dry or when someone is very thirsty — like a dead dingo's schlong.

Very Australian, but very not modern Australian. I've never heard this one, although I would love to — it really rolls off the tongue.

What it means: A movement of the hand and arm made to brush flies away from one's face.

Honest to god, I thought this referred to an erection or something — which shows just how much Australians actually use this phrase.

What it means: Unquestionably good or something/someone that is genuine.

Okay, I'll admit that fair dinkum is still a thing in Australia — but it's definitely not as common as non-Australians think. We don't go around saying it all day, every day — especially in the cities. It's more used in the rural parts.

What it means: Goodbye.

A distinctively Australian phrase that sadly no one uses now a days — although I wouldn't mind it making a come back. It's cute AF.

What it means: Good day — it's basically a greeting.

G'day is synonymous with Australians and Australian culture. So, I'm not saying that we don't EVER use this phrase, but like "fair dinkum", it's not as commonly used as the rest of the world thinks. Although, I do remember that when I worked in retail, my boss said that management were requesting that we answer the phone with "G'day! Welcome to generic clothing store name here."

What it means:Used when someone is behaving in a silly or stupid way — or when they're making a fuss over something. Alludes to the spluttering noise of a pork chop that is being cooked.

This is a very Kath and Kim-esque phrase. I feel like it was popular during our parents' generation, but now not so much.

What it means:Someone who is very angry or out of control.

Same as the above — very Australian, very Kath and Kim-esque, but no one says it now a days.

What it means: Something that is good or well executed.

I think we, as a nation, left the word "bonza" in the 20th century.

What it means: Give me a break / give me a fair go.

Although it was made famous by former Aussie prime minister Kevin Rudd, it didn't stick around.