🇦🇺 Is Australian English different from British English?

Yes. Australian English has its own accent, vocabulary and expressions, although its spelling conventions are generally closer to British English than American English. Words such as arvo, brekkie and servo are particularly associated with everyday Australian speech.

🗣️ Why do Australians shorten so many words?

Abbreviations are a characteristic feature of informal Australian English. Words are often shortened and given endings such as -ie, -y or -o. For example, afternoon becomes arvo, breakfast becomes brekkie and mosquito becomes mozzie.

Australian Slang Quiz: How Well Do You Speak Aussie?

Australian English is full of colour, character and quirky expressions, and nowhere is that more obvious than in its slang. From “arvo” to “trackie dacks”, Australians have a knack for shortening, reshaping and inventing expressions of their own. But how much of the lingo do you really understand?

Whether you're a curious visitor, a language lover, or just keen to sound like a local, this quiz will put your Aussie slang skills to the test. With 12 multiple-choice questions, you'll find out whether you're a True Blue Legend or a complete beginner. Plus, each answer comes with a short explanation and example, so you'll learn as you go.

Ready to give it a try? Let's find out how Aussie you really are!

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What Makes Australian English So Unique? 🐨

Australian English is known for its distinctive accent, vocabulary and informal expressions. One particularly noticeable feature is its love of abbreviation: “afternoon” becomes “arvo”, while longer words are often shortened and given endings such as -ie, -y or -o.

Aussies are masters of this kind of wordplay. “Chewing gum” can become “chewie”, “mosquito” becomes “mozzie”, and “breakfast” is often shortened to “brekkie”. These shortened forms are a familiar feature of everyday Australian speech.

Australian English developed largely from British and Irish varieties of English, while also incorporating words from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and developing plenty of vocabulary of its own. Many expressions are closely associated with Australian social life, sport, food and everyday conversation.

Learning Australian slang can therefore tell you quite a lot about the culture behind the language. It can also make Australian films, television, conversations and social media much easier to understand.

The 2021 Australian Census recorded

almost 200,000

people with Maltese ancestry

For readers in Malta, Australian English may feel a little closer to home than you might expect. Malta and Australia have longstanding ties shaped by generations of migration, particularly during the 20th century. Many Maltese families have relatives or connections Down Under, so a few distinctly Aussie expressions may already sound familiar.

Want to Improve Your English? Find an English Tutor

If you enjoyed our Australian slang quiz and want to build your English vocabulary further, working with a tutor can help you understand how expressions change depending on context, region and level of formality.

A qualified English tutor can help you practise natural conversation, improve your pronunciation and explain expressions that may not appear in standard textbooks. This can be particularly useful if you're preparing to study, work or travel in an English-speaking country.

Superprof can connect you with experienced English tutors in Malta and online. Whether you're preparing for a move to Australia, hoping to understand Australian media better, or simply interested in the different varieties of English spoken around the world, personalised lessons let you focus on the areas most relevant to you.

With tutors offering both online and in-person lessons, you can find an approach that fits your goals and schedule.

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Liv - Superprof Malta

I have a strong interest in travelling, reading, and football, as each journey feels like opening a new chapter. When I’m not on the move, you’ll likely find me enjoying a good read or out on the football pitch.