Australian Terminology

Learn to speak Australian with some of these terms (by no means extensive or accurate), mainly informal terms of British origin:

Mate = a friend or companion, usually for males. Common greeting: “How you goin, mate?”
Chap = (slang) alternate term for “guys”, both male and female. Application: “Are you chaps hungry yet?”
Cobber = (slang, typically Tasmanian, derivative from origin “cob”) a man, a fellow.
Bloke = a man, a fellow. Application: “These blokes here are my good friends.”
Sheila = (dated, slang) female version of bloke.
Love = a friendly form of address, usually used on females. Application: “After you, love.”
Cheers = thanks. Application: “Cheers, mate.”
Poofta = (slang, derivative from origin “poof”) effeminate man.
Rummon = (slang, typically Tasmanian, derivative from origin “rum”) acceptable character who has odd or peculiar traits (positive reference).
Spud = a potato.
Brackie = (slang) breakfast.
Dinner = lunch.
Bird = a young woman, usually good-looking. Application: “Who’s that bird? Is she with you?”
Duck = (affectionate term) dear / darling, usually used on older women.
Chook = (slang, typically Tasmanian) chicken. Application: “There’s the chook farm.” Old ladies are commonly referred to as old ducks or old chooks (* because they waddle like one)

* according to Uncle Johnny, dad’s good friend.