Much of Australia’s early slang comes from the convict culture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Australia was established as a penal colony, with convicts from Britain, Ireland, and other parts of Europe bringing their own slang terms with them.
The working-class origins of many early settlers meant that language was often informal, and humour and making the best of a bad lot became central to the Australian identity.
Convicts and settlers alike used slang to defy authority and express camaraderie. Words like "larrikin" reflect a rebellious, cheeky attitude that became part of our national character.
Slang became a way to survive and thrive in tough, often harsh conditions, helping people bond and deal with adversity. And boy, it must have been tough back then.
So I hope you enjoy the first part of a series on slang around the world. And where better to start than here in Aussie?
The British Isles—particularly Cockney slang from London and Irish English—heavily influenced Australian slang. For example, the term "arvo" (short for afternoon) is derived from British slang practices of shortening words, and "dunny" (toilet) comes from British and Irish usage.
The term "dunny" is thought to have originated from the Scottish and Northern English dialect word "dung," which means excrement. In these dialects, a "dung-house" referred to a privy or outhouse. Australians likely adopted and shortened the word as they developed their own distinctive slang.
The word "dunny" first appeared in written records in Australia in the late 19th century. At that time, many homes, especially in rural areas, didn’t have indoor plumbing, so outhouses or backyard toilets were the norm. The "dunny" became a common feature in backyards, often a small shed with a hole or bucket for waste disposal.
We even host annual Dunny Races in Winton in Queensland.
I have to admit that the pants around the ankles was a twist that I never saw coming and the only thing missing was the great toilet paper shortage of 2020. Still there was so much shit being published by MSM back then and today, we could buy a newspaper and it would probably take us back to the days of the dunny because most of it is only worth being used for that purpose. But I digress.
Australia’s geographic isolation from the rest of the world for much of its early history also contributed to the development of its own distinctive dialect and slang. With fewer external influences, Australian English diverged from British English, creating uniquely Australian terms and expressions. The sheer distance from Britain allowed Australian language to grow independently, with immigrants shaping it to suit their new life on the frontier.
When you think about it, being so far away is almost a blessing these days.
We Australians are known for our dry wit and self-deprecating humour, like the Irish, and this is reflected in the country’s slang. We Australians have a tendency to shorten words and add an “-o” or “-ie” to the end, which makes our speech sound casual and relaxed. For example, "afternoon" becomes "arvo," "present" becomes "prezzie," and "barbecue" becomes "barbie."
The use of slang is often humourous, intended to make light of things rather than take them too seriously. We Australians are fond of irony and understatement, which comes through in terms like "fair dinkum" (genuine or real) or "she’ll be right" (everything will be fine).
After World War II, Australia welcomed a large influx of immigrants from Europe, particularly Italy, Greece, and Eastern Europe. These immigrants brought their own languages and slang into the Australian main stream, creating even more colourful slang. Words like "wog" (originally a derogatory term for Southern European immigrants, became part of the evolving slang landscape.
Those poor buggers! It must have been tough. But they mucked in and became " one of us. "
We Australians use slang in everyday conversations more consistently than people in many other English-speaking countries, and we're known for embracing our colloquial language even in formal settings. That may come as surprise but it is true. This widespread use of slang gives Australia the title of being one of the biggest slang creators in the world.
For example, The term "bogan" is a distinctly Australian slang word used to describe someone who is perceived as unsophisticated or unrefined. The exact origins of the word are somewhat unclear, but several theories exist. One theory is that "bogan" comes from the Bogan Shire in New South Wales, Australia, a rural and remote area. The term may have originally been used to refer to people from that region, implying a certain rural, unsophisticated lifestyle. There is some speculation that "bogan" could have Scottish roots, as the word "bogan" appears in some Scottish dialects meaning a kind of marsh or quagmire. This could metaphorically link to the idea of someone being "stuck" in an unsophisticated lifestyle, though this theory is less supported.
When I started researching for this piece, I was amazed at how little was known about the origin of so many iconic sayings. If anyone is able to track down some origins, please share them in the comments section.
One thing I loved though was when I thought about having a " fair go. " To "Have a fair go" is one of the most well-known expressions in Australian culture. It means giving someone a fair chance, an equal opportunity, or encouraging someone to make an effort or try something without facing unfair disadvantage or judgment. It reflects the Australian belief in fairness and giving everyone a shot, no matter their background or status.
The phrase "have a fair go" has its roots in Australia’s working-class heritage and colonial past, when early settlers and convicts sought equality and a fair chance at a new life. This idea of giving everyone a fair chance to prove themselves or succeed has been deeply embedded in the national psyche.
Which brings me to my closing thoughts. Since when did the bogans come from the Middle East or from youth street gangs and when did our government stop believing we ALL have a right to a fair go? When did flag burning and hatred become part of our culture?
Protesting redbacks on the toilet seat, lack of loo paper or calling blokes shielas I totally understand. I even get a protest about the rising tax on beer. But protesting about something that is unAustralian in Australia?
Can we please get back to normal? When Australia was about equality for all and when we got rid of being a penal colony? I am sick of having the new migrant arrive and dictate what happens in MY country. I came here as a migrant and I am angry about what is happening. And I am fearful of and for the future.
That does not make me a coward. It makes me a realist.
These new bogans (someone being "stuck" in an unsophisticated lifestyle) are taking over and our governments are not giving us a fair go.
