Australian Slang for Food

Australia is an absolutely amazing country to live and visit. Experiencing the Australian lifestyle and spending time with the locals is a great way to learn the English language.

You may have noticed that the Australian people have a slightly different way of talking with each other compared to other English speaking countries.

Learning how to speak like an Australian – or an Aussie – will not only help you communicate better with the locals, but it will help you join in on the fun of the Australian culture.

Remember, Aussie slang is very informal and should not be used in professional relationships. Listen to the people you are speaking with to find out if they are using these words. If so, you are in a good situation to practice your Aussie slang.

Tips for pronouncing and listening to Aussie Slang

It is common for Australian’s to pronounce the –er at the end of a word as –a. For example, you may have heard Australians pronounce the word dinner as dinna. Keep this in mind when listening to Australians, especially the locals that have strong accents.

A List of Australian Slang for Food and Eating

Tucker – /təkə/

Tucker is a word that Australians use for food. You will hear this word used a lot in more in country towns compared to the city.

“I’m really hungry, I can’t wait to get some tucker.”

Bush Tucker – /bʊʃ təkə/

Bush tucker is another word used to describe food. Although, this type of food is only found in the Australian outback and is famously eaten by the Aboriginal people.

“When we go camping we like to eat bush tucker.”

Breakky – /brekɪ/

Breakky is short for breakfast and is used in both the country and city areas of Australia.

“Wake up! It’s time for breakky.”

Avo – /ævo/

The avocado is an Australian favourite and this slang word may be found on many restaurant and café menus around Australia.

“Can I get some extra avo with my breakky?”

Barbie – /baːbi/

Barbequing skills are compulsory for all Australian’s and every household needs a good barbie in the backyard to cook food during the summer.

“Come to my house today for a barbie.”

Caulie – /kalɪ/

Australian’s are very busy people and no one has time to pronounce long words like cauliflower. Shortening words is a skill that many Australian’s possess and you will hear this skill used a lot while you are in Australia.

“Would you like some caulie for dinner?”

Chockie – /tʃɔkɪː/

There is nothing like a good old piece of chocolate after dinner and this word is sure bring a smile to the faces of young and old.

“Can you buy some chockie for dessert tonight?”

Cuppa – /kəpa/

One of the best ways to start your day is with a nice cup of tea or coffee. Meet up with friends or simply relax with a nice cuppa.

“Come to my place tomorrow for a cuppa.”

Sanga – /sæŋa:/

A sandwich is an easy meal to take with you to work or to school. You can buy a sanga in most cafés toasted or fresh and is an Australian favourite when covered in vegemite.

“I’ve made ham and cheese sangas for lunch today.”

Maccas – /mæka:z/

Mcdonald’s restaurants and drive throughs can be found all over the world, but Australia is the only place that calls it Maccas.

“I don’t feel like cooking. Let’s go to Maccas tonight for dinner.”