A Tourist Lost in Aussie Slang

He landed in Oz feeling clever and bright..
Till someone said, “Gday?”  he nodded like right.
They said, “Grab a stubby and meet by the ute..”
And he realised quickly… it's a way they commute.

They said, “Chuck your thongs on, we’re heading to the beach..”
Which sounded quite shocking as a figure of speech.
But thongs, not underwear, sat on their feet…
He learned Aussie language is tricky and neat.

“Bring a plate,” they told him, so off he did roam..
With an empty white plate that he brought from his home.
But everyone else had a salad or cake..
Turns out it meant food.. what a rookie mistake.

A bloke said, “No worries..” which seemed pretty kind..
Though sometimes it means that they absolutely mind.
And “yeah, nah” means no.. while “nah, yeah” means yes
It’s funny down under these aussies are the best..

Someone yelled “Shotgun!” and ran to the car..
He thought there’d be danger or trouble afar.
But no one was worried or ready to fight..
They just wanted the front seat on the drive tonight.

“Fair dinkum!” they cried when a story was told..
Which sounded like something quite ancient and old.
And calling someone “mate” seems friendly and sweet..
Unless it’s said slowly… then be quick on ya feet.

Someone said, “Onya!” with a grin ear to ear..
Which left him confused what had happened just here.
He'd opened a door and passed someone a beer..
Turns out “good on ya” means "nice one, my dear."

So now when he's chatting he gives it a crack..
With “reckon,” and “bogan,” and “chuck it out back.”
But one thing’s for certain in slang down this way..
You’ll need a translator by end of the day.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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bard Avatar
April 11, 2026 at 11:26 PM
bard Avatar
April 11, 2026 at 11:27 PM
You have diversity in your rhyme and an obvious sens of observation Blessings Douglas
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