A Beginner's Guide to Aussie Slang: From Bogan to Grouse
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Australia: land of beaches, bin chickens, democracy sausages, and slang so chaotic even Aussies sometimes need subtitles. If you’re new ‘round here — or you’ve got a mate overseas trying to decode our language — welcome to your crash course.
This isn’t just a slang guide. It’s a celebration of what makes us… well, us. The cheek, the charm, the slightly feral energy. And yes, we’ve even got tees to help you speak fluent Strayan without having to marathon Kath & Kim (although, again — highly recommend).
🤷♀️ What Even Is Aussie Slang?
Aussie slang is basically English after it's been sunbaked, given a VB, and let loose at Bunnings.
We don’t “dislike something,” we say: Strewth (with passion and disappointment).
If something’s properly excellent? That’s grouse.
If it’s beyond excellent? Hooroo — you’ve stunned us into emotional farewell-level joy.
We also use cultural rating systems like:
“Mate, that movie was a Barry Crocker.”
(Translation: shocker, disaster, leave early and pretend you didn’t see it.)
It’s economical, chaotic, heartfelt — just like a Sunday sesh that got away from you.
🧢 Key Aussie Slang Terms Every Beginner Needs
Bogan
Definition: A proudly unpolished Aussie. Loves footy, Bunnings, and thongs (the shoe, relax). Often loveable, occasionally loud, sometimes found deep in Dan Murphy’s on a Friday arvo.
In a sentence:
“He rocked up to the wedding in a singlet and mullet. Absolute bogan. Stunning effort.”
🥇 Featured tee: Bogan Energy Shirt
Corporate Monday, bogan Saturday. Balance.
Grouse
Definition: Excellent. Fabulous. Better than “nice one” and very close to “buy that person a beer immediately.”
In a sentence:
“You brought a pav and a six-pack? Grouse.”
🦘 Featured tee: Grouse & Proud Tee
Wear it when you’re feeling gold-medal-level Aussie.
Old Mate
Definition: A universal someone. Could be your neighbour, a stranger, your mate’s cousin… or someone behaving like they’ve mainlined Red Bull since 6am.
In a sentence:
“Old mate at the servo tried to pay with Monopoly money.”
👴 Featured tee: Old Mate Shirt
Perfect for the mystery legend in every group.
Strewth
Definition: Shock, surprise, disbelief, or weary disappointment.
In a sentence:
“Strewth, the magpie nearly took my hat off.”
⭐ Featured tee: Strewth Legend Tee
Best used when life throws curveballs… like $9 coffees.
Crikey
Definition: A classic Aussie exclamation. Popularised by Steve Irwin. Used for anything unexpected or mildly dangerous — like a huntsman on your windscreen.
In a sentence:
“Crikey, that spider’s got its own postcode.”
🐊 Featured tee: Crikey Tee
Strong khaki energy recommended.
Bloody Oath
Definition: A powerful yes. An enthusiastic agreement. Full-bodied approval.
In a sentence:
“Knock-off tinnie?”
“Bloody oath.”
🍻 Featured tee: Bloody Oath Shirt
Peak Friday mood.
😂 Slang Survival Tips for Beginners
✔ Add “-ie” or “-o” to everything
Servo, bottle-o, tradie, arvo, smoko
✔ Emotionally engage with snack-related situations
“You ate the last Shapes? Barry Crocker behaviour.”
✔ Master “yeah nah” vs “nah yeah”
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Yeah nah = no
-
Nah yeah = yes
-
Yeah righto mate = stop carrying on
✔ Live like you're permanently at a BBQ
Calm. Friendly. Tongue-in-cheek.
FAQ: Aussie Slang for Beginners
What does “bogan” mean in Australia?
A bogan is an Aussie who’s rough around the edges, often sporting a mullet, thongs, and zero shame blasting AC/DC at full volume. Think: loud, proud, and not fussed about being fancy.
If you vibe with cheeky Aussie humour, our Bogan tee is a certified yarn-starter.
What does “strewth” mean?
Strewth is an exclamation meaning “bloody hell!” or “you’ve got to be kidding!” It pops up when your mate claims they can finish a parma in one bite or petrol jumps 50c overnight.
We’ve got shirts that pair perfectly with this energy — like the Crikey tee for true blue reactions.
What does “grouse” mean?
In Aussie slang, grouse means excellent, legendary, or that’s unreal mate. If a snag at Bunnings is good, a fresh, onion-on-the-bottom official-policy snag is grouse.
Who is “Old Mate”?
Old mate can refer to literally anyone — your mate, a stranger, a coworker who forgot to mute on Zoom, or that bloke who always says he “knows a guy.”
Spotting an Old Mate in the wild? You’ll want our Old Mate tee so everyone knows who’s who.
What does “Barry Crocker” mean in slang?
Barry Crocker = shocker / disaster.
Example: “Spilt my coffee and missed me train — had a Barry Crocker this morning.”
Good news? Wearing funny tees like our Barry Crocker-approved classic Aussie humour shirts improves the vibe instantly.*
What does “Hooroo” mean?
Hooroo is a cheerful Aussie farewell — far more fun than “goodbye.”
Use it as you leave a pub, sign off a text, or wander off saying "Catch ya later legends!"
Pro tip: the Alrighty Then / Hooroo vibes shirts from our store pair nicely with a dramatic exit.
Do Aussies really say “Crikey”?
Look, Steve Irwin made it iconic — and we’re still proud users today when spotting snakes, drop bears, or shocking electricity bills.
Our Crikey tee lets you honour a national treasure and express pure Aussie shock in style.
👕 Wear Your Aussie Slang Loud & Proud
Our tees are perfect for:
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Aussies abroad missing real Milo
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Tourists who want to blend in and not say “shrimp” (it's prawn, mate)
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Proud locals who use “mate” as punctuation
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People who love a yarn and a laugh
Browse the Aussie Slang Collection and rep your dialect like a true legend.
Final Word
Aussie slang isn’t just language — it’s a handshake, a wink, a BBQ invite, and a laugh rolled into one. Learn it, live it, wear it.
And remember:
Yeah nah, you’ll be right.