Righteo! An Australian Glossary

I must say, we are having a bit of a problem with the language, English though it be, due to the accent broadly spoken in Australia, as well as the actual words used. People are nice about repeating themselves -- or else I just go along as if I am comprehending :) Our hosts here in Townsville, Marilyn and Chris, have patiently translated their conversations.

Some terms we are familiar with, such as "tram" for trolley car and "bangers" for sausages, or "roo" for kangaroo. Some are not familiar, and among my favorites has been "tucker" for food! Going to the country, such as in leaving the city, you "go bush," and not necessarily to the far-away countryside. Words tend to be shortened, so sunglasses can be "sunnies" and our bathing suits "cossies" for "swimming costume." And yes, Australians often call themselves Aussies (pronounced Auzzies), helping me understand the derivation of "Oz" for Australia. Fun. Here is a glossary:

biscuit - cookie

dillybag - shopping bag, carrying bag

a bloke - a guy

a sheila - old-fashioned use meaning a girl

tin - can, such as in a can of soup

aircon - air conditioning

footpath - sidewalk

a cuddle - a friendly hug

rubbedy dub - pub (in the spirit of Cockney rhyming slang)

rubbishing - teasing in fun

wash up - do the dishes

pattycake - cupcake

Rice Bubbles - Rice Krispies, as in Kellogg's 

not a happy chappy - to be annoyed

takeaway - take out, as in a meal

go to the pictures - go to the movies

boot - trunk of the car

bonnet - hood of the car

jumper - sweater

knickers - underpants

gumboot - rubber boot

she'll be apples, or she'll be right, mate - it's all okay

good on you - good for you

dummy - a pacifier for a baby

spit the dummy - lose your temper

crook - bad, ailing, such as in "I've got a crook back" or "I feel crook"

go crook - tell someone off

yonks - a long time, such as in "It will take yonks to get there."

nervy - nervous

overtaking lane - passing lane on a highway

righteo! - okay!

nappies - diaper for a baby

boomer - a full-grown kangaroo

muck up - make a mistake

bottle - to preserve, such as jam

capsicum - fresh green or red pepper

entree - appetizer

main - entree

cut lunch - a prepared lunch, such as sandwiches for school

mince - hamburger meat

draughts - the game of checkers

garbo - garbage man

arvo - afternoon

cuppa - cup of tea

smoko - morning coffee break

flip - nog, as in an egg flip, eggnog

lolly - any sweet candy, not just a lollipop

have a go - give it a try

have a yarn - have a conversation

gum tree - eucalyptus tree (very common tree)

up a gum tree - in a dilemma