How to understand an Aussie on your working holiday

Grog, spunks, thongs... rooting? As a traveller to Straya (Australia), this is the kind of confusing rhetoric you'll be up against.

Here's our guide to making yourself understood by your new workmates. AND at the bar. Where apparently, it's okay to order pot without getting arrested.

Food and beverages

Goon = Cheap wine, comes in a box. Use in a sentence: "Grab the goon bag and let's go to Damo's place."

Grog = Beer. Simple enough. However, the measurements can be a minefield and differ per state:

Pot: A small-sized beer (285ml). Middy: The same size as a pot, but in Western Australia and New South Wales. **Schooner:**A large beer (425ml) other than in South Australia, where they confusingly refer to this as a pint. Pint: An actual pint (570ml). Finally, something that makes sense.
Stubbie: A bottled beer, usually found in a stubbie holder/beer anorak to keep it cool. **Slab:**A 24-pack of beer.

Confused? A beer would probably help.

Barbie = Barbecue. Use in a sentence: "Put a snag on Ken's barbie."

(Snag = Sausage).

Esky = Portable icebox. Use in a sentence "Chuck that slab in the esky, warm beers are for Poms." (See ‘Poms’).

Bottle-O = Liquor shop, often of the 'drive-thru' variety. Yes, you heard correctly. Use in a sentence: "Can we stop at the Bottle-O on the way to Ken’s barbie? I'm parched."

Discovery Channel stuff

Spunk = A gentleman of more than average good looks. Use in a sentence: "Kath, your old man's a right spunk!"

Root = Starts with F, sounds like duck. Use in a sentence: "The tire on my bike is rooted."

Pash = First base.

Big note = To brag or boast.

In the workplace

Hard yakka = Hard work.

Arvo = Afternoon.

No wackas= No worries.

Chuck a sickie = Getting fired if caught.

Clothing and fashion (loosely)

Thongs = Flip flops or jandals, NOT an undergarment.
Use in a sentence: "Mate, saw your nan in her new thongs, she looked smoking."

G-banger = THIS is an undergarment.

Flanno = Checked shirt, commonly worn by lumberjacks and hipsters.

Singlet = A sleeveless garment or vest.

Togs = Swimwear.

Budgie smugglers = Don’t go there.

People

Pom = An English person (not always complimentary). Use in a sentence: "Can't believe those bleedin' Poms beat us as cricket again!" (Those Bleedin' Poms: "We can")

Relos = Relatives.

Bogan = Someone from the country (not always complimentary). May or may not come with a mullet.
Use in a sentence: "That singlet makes you look like a right bogan."

Old mate = Anyone whose name you don’t know.
Use in a sentence: "I just saw old mate down the pub.”

Other weird stuff

Ken oath = For real.

Ute = A pick-up truck.

Duna = Duvet.

Spewin’ = To be angry.

Other suggested methods of communicating with an Australian include raising the end of each sentence to sound like you're asking a question (think Destiny's Child, ‘Question?’) and adding an 'o' at the end of everyone's name.

Good luck! And remember JEN-setters, we’re here for all your Australia working holiday needs (translation services also included).