Aussie slang is more than an accent. It’s our own language. Sure some of our tradie sayings can be crude, and leave other English speakers and foreigners confused. But they are bloody ripper!
New to tradie slang? Coming to Oz? Have a squiz at our list:
1. DART
The perfect excuse for a 10-minute break or also known as a cigarette
2. DUNNY
Another excuse for a 10-minute break, or more commonly known as the toilet
3. ESKY
Cooler for food and drinks
4. GIVE IT A BURL
This phrase means to try something that you haven’t done before, for example:
“Nah, I haven’t rewired a house yet but I will give it a burl.”
5. GRASS CUTTER
When a tradie feels like another tradie moving onto his patch, he would say this:
“Oi that Gazza is a bloody grass cutter”
6. GAZZA
If you are unfortunately named Gary, there is a 100% chance you will hear this on-site at least once a day
7. MACCAS
The Golden Arches - McDonald’s
8. RIPPER
Bloody awesome
9. SERVO
Home of overpriced pies and energy drinks or more commonly known as, a gas station
10. SHE’LL BE RIGHT
Everything will be fine
“Oi, we missed the turn-off ya bloody idiot.”
“She’ll be right”
11. SICKIE
Sick day
“Nah, I’m not in tomorrow. I’m pulling a sickie”
12. SLAB
Much needed after a bloody hard week of graft, or otherwise known as a 24 crate of beer
13. SMOKO
The perfect occasion to enjoy a dart/mid-morning break
“I’m on smoko, so leave me alone”
14. THICK AS A BRICK
Someone with a questionable level of intelligence
15. UTE
A majestic carriage of tradies, tools and old PPE you haven’t been arsed to chuck away yet. Or if you want to get technical, a utility vehicle. If you don’t have one are ya even a tradie?
Think you’ll find the lingo Down Under a piece of piss? Then ya gotta check out this legend!
