There is a plethora of websites in internet land that highlights the unique slang language of Australians. We know what a sheila or a nong is, but many times I have witnessed foreigners completely baffled when an Aussie lets fly with uniquely Australian Sayings.
So I am endeavouring to bring to you as many Aussie sayings as I can muster, together with an understandable explanation of exactly what they mean. Have fun!
G-I Saying: Get off your high horse Meaning: Stop acting high and mighty, stop being pretentious. How to use this saying: He’s so full of himself, he should get off his high horse
Saying: Give her (him) a bell Meaning: I should ring her (him) up on the telephone How to use this saying: I haven’t spoken to Bruce for ages, I should give him a bell.
Saying: Give it a whirl Meaning: Have a go, try How to use this saying: I’ve never ridden a kangaroo before, maybe I should give it a whirl.
Saying: Give us a gander Meaning: Seeing something, having a look. How to use this saying: He said he had two thumbs, so I told him to give us a gander.
Saying: Going at it like rabbits Meaning: Procreating, making babies How to use this saying: they’ve got 9 children already, they’re going at it like rabbits.
Saying: Grasping at Straws Meaning: Depending on something that is useless How to use this saying: She thinks he’s interested, but I think she’s grasping at straws.
Saying: He’s all shine, but no shoes Meaning: A fraud, or a fake How to use this saying: He’s such a con man – all shine but no shoes.
Saying: Hedge your bets Meaning: To avoid committing oneself; to leave a means of retreat open How to use this saying: I never put my eggs all in one basket, I like to hedge my bets
Saying: He’s blotto Meaning: : Drunk, inebriated, had too much to drink How to use this saying: you won’t get any sense from him – he’s blotto
Saying: He’s got short arms and long pockets Meaning: He doesn’t give up his money easily How to use this saying: Don’t expect Bazza to pay – he’s got short arms and long pockets.
Saying: He’s Tinny Meaning: He’s very lucky, he’s blessed, good things happen to him How to use this saying: Don’t give Bill any lottery tickets, he’s tinny.
Saying: Hit the Ground running Meaning: To start something very energetically, so get going early How to use this saying: He was keen to get finished early, so he hit the ground running
Saying: I could eat a horse and chase the jockey Meaning: I’m starving, I’m very hungry How to use this saying: I haven’t eaten for two days – I could eat a horse and chase the jockey.
Saying: I’d like to be a fly on the wall Meaning: You’d like to be secretly present to see and hear what happens How to use this saying: She was furious with him, I’d like to be fly on the wall when they get home
Saying: I’ll have your guts for garters Meaning: a threat of serious reprisal How to use this saying: If I learn you’ve told anyone, I’ll have your guts for garters
Saying: In two shakes of a lambs tail Meaning: Shortly, very soon. How to use this saying: I’ll be there in two shakes of a lambs tail.
