Dive into Australian culture, starting with learning authentic slang.

The latest course catalog for 2024 is now online! At UC, we have prepared a variety of innovative and practical courses for you to enjoy the most cutting-edge learning experience.

No matter what passion you have for science and technology, art and design, business, education, or health, UC can meet your needs.The course catalog details course fees, duration, application process, scholarship options, and even campus accommodation information, aiming to help you easily understand all aspects of studying at UC.

Now, browse our course catalog and start your learning journey at UC! Scan the QR code below, fill out the questionnaire, and you will receive the course catalog.

Australian Slang Guide

Want to better integrate into Australian culture? Check out the trending Australian slang!

According to statistics, 82% of Australians use slang when communicating with friends,so there's no doubt that it's an important part of Australian culture.

Australian slang is usually very casual,often an abbreviated version of the original word, such as 'arvo' for afternoon, or 'brolly' for umbrella. You may have already encountered some of these words in life.

In 2013, Australian slang 'selfie' went viral globally and became the Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year! Australian slang is vivid and fun, but if English is not your native language, it might be a bit hard to understand. Even fluent English speakers may find these slangs confusing when they come to Australia.

UC has listed some Australian slangs you might encounter at university. After learning them, you'll be able to chat freely with your Australian classmates!  

Canberra Slang

• Belco: Abbreviation for Belconnen, a district in the northwest of Canberra
• Bridge to Bridge Walk: A walking route around Lake Burley Griffin
• Brindies: Brindabella Mountains
• Civic: Canberra city center
• Coolo: Cooleman Court Shopping Center
• EPIC: Exhibition Park, where events are often held
• Lake G: Lake Ginninderra
• Multi Culti: Nickname for Canberra's annual National Multicultural Festival
• The Lake: Canberra has several lakes, but here it specifically refers to Lake Burley Griffin

Classroom Slang

• Arvo: Afternoon
• Biro: Pen
• Breather: Short break
• Dob: Report someone
• Dunny/loo: Toilet
• Fair go: Fair chance
• Have a squiz: Quick look
• Journo: Journalist
• No drama/no worries/no wuckas: No problem
• Reckon: Think/agree
• Rubber: Eraser
• Sickie: Sick leave
• Uni: University
• Wag: Skip class

Dining Out

Chatting with Friends

Weekend Activities

• Bathers/cozzies/togs: Swimsuit
• Bucks: Australian dollars
• Budgie Smugglers: Speedos brand swimwear
• Brolly: Umbrella
• Chemist: Pharmacy
• Daks: Trousers
• Esky: Cooler
• Footy: Australian football
• Mozzie: Mosquito
• Rellie / Rello: Relative
• Runners: Sneakers
• Straya: Australia
• Sunnies: Sunglasses
• Thongs: Flip-flops
• True Blue: A true Australian
• Uey: U-turn

The best way to learn these slangs is to immerse yourself in the Australian way of life, why not tryjoining UC's cultural, sports, and academic clubs and societies? For international students, there is also a lot of support provided here.

If you encounter difficulties inUC studies, you can also participate in the university's learning skills program or communicate with ASK(Academic Skills and Knowledge) advisors. Start learning quickly!

The End

CRICOS #00212K TEQSA: PRV12003