Planning an Aussie road trip? It’s time to brush up on the country’s unique lingo! From adding an -o to the end of every second word (breatho, bottle-o, servo), to shortening nearly everything in sight (arvo for afternoon, mozzie for mosquito), Australians have a way of making the English language all their own.
If you’re finding it a bit hard to understand this Aussie slang, we’re here to help! To help you get familiar, here’s a list of essential Australian travel terms to listen out for on your next adventure.
Breatho
Meaning: A roadside breathalyser test.
When you’ll hear it: “Watch out, mate! There’s a breatho up ahead.” Police regularly set up breathalyser checkpoints, especially around holidays, during big events and on weekend evenings, to ensure everyone’s driving safely.
U-turn
Meaning: Making a turn to go in the opposite direction. Also known as a ‘U-ey’!
When you’ll hear it: “Hang on, let’s chuck a U-turn; I think we missed the turn-off.” Road trips often require a U-turn or two if you take a wrong turn, but don’t worry! A little detour can lead to a new adventure.
Servo
Meaning: Service station or gas station.
When you’ll hear it: “We’re low on petrol; better pull into the next servo.” You’ll spot servos dotted along highways, perfect for filling up the car, nipping to the toilet and grabbing snacks.
Bonnet/boot
Meaning: The hood (bonnet) and trunk (boot) of a car.
When you’ll hear it: “Pop the bonnet, let’s check the engine!” or “There’s room for our bags in the boot.” Knowing these terms can come in handy when you’re packing your car, or if you need some help with your vehicle while you’re out on the road.
Hoon
Meaning: Someone who drives recklessly.
When you’ll hear it: “That car’s being driven by a hoon,” “She’s hooning around”. On remote highways, it’s not uncommon to encounter a hoon or two speeding down the road, so make sure to slow down, drive safely and steer clear.
Woop Woop
Meaning: A humorous or affectionate term for a remote or out-of-the-way location.
When you’ll hear it: “This next stop is really out in woop woop.” If someone tells you a place is in ‘woop woop’, be prepared for an adventure off the beaten track.
Ute
Meaning: Short for ‘utility vehicle’, a popular flatbed vehicle, commonly driven in the outback.
When you’ll hear it: “We’re loading up the ute for the trip.” Utes are a staple in Australia, especially in rural areas where their rugged design is useful for hauling gear and tackling rough terrain.
Rego
Meaning: Short for car registration.
When you’ll hear it: “Is your rego up to date?” This one’s a bit more serious! Keeping your car registration current is essential for any vehicle on Australian roads, and you may hear this term when discussing vehicle paperwork or checking requirements for a long road trip.
Down the road
Meaning: A destination that might be close by – or it might not!
When you’ll hear it: “The next town’s just down the road.” If you hear this phrase from an Aussie, make sure to check exactly how far your next destination is – ‘down the road’ could mean 5 metres or 50 kilometres!
Mate
Meaning: Friend or buddy.
When you’ll hear it: “Cheers, mate!” You’ll hear “mate” at servos, rest stops and in nearly any social interaction. It’s a go-to friendly greeting or way to get someone’s attention. You don’t have to be someone’s best friend to call them mate – it’s a term of endearment for anyone!
Now that you’re all set with Aussie road trip lingo, you’re ready to hit the road! Whether you’re chucking a U-turn, filling up at the servo, or dodging a few hoons along the highway, you’ll be speaking like a true blue Aussie in no time.
Remember, keep your rego sorted, throw your sleeping bag in the boot, and don’t stress if you find yourself out in woop woop – it’s all part of the adventure, mate!
