The use of humour is common in many Australian workplaces. Being able to laugh at yourself and with others is viewed as a positive quality.
To add an element of fun to the work day, people like to share stories, banter and sometimes even play practical jokes on close co-workers. During social or fun exchanges, you may notice language that is quite casual with the use of colloquial or slang words. Here the speaker or writer will express themselves informally, often without using correct grammar or social niceties. Depending on the culture and industry, swearing may also occur – generally, this is not intended to be rude or hurtful, but is used to be playful and create familiarity.
In terms of communication style, co-workers tend to be direct and straightforward. While this may sound blunt, it generally allows for clear and objective discussion. On some occasions semi-informal language may also occur when discussing work related matters, through the use of phrases or metaphors. Depending on where you are from, it might take a while to get used to this.
Here are some common Australian words and phrases. Select each of word or phrase to see what it means and how it is used.
Slang Words
Coulda
Coulda
Meaning:
Could have
"I coulda grabbed a cuppa for you too"
Cuppa
Cuppa
Meaning:
A cup of coffee or tea
"I coulda grabbed a cuppa for you too"
Choccie
Choccie
Meaning:
Chocolate
"I like to eat a choccie at 3pm for a pick me up towards the end of my work day"
BYO
BYO
Meaning:
Bring Your Own
"It’s BYO plate for tomorrow’s team lunch"
Wanna
Wanna
Meaning:
Want to
"Wanna grab dinner after work?"
How ya going?
How ya going?
Meaning:
How are you?
"Hey mate how ya going?"
Slang Phrases
Play it by ear
Play it by ear
Meaning:
Let’s decide at the time
"No need to schedule in that meeting now, let’s play it by ear tomorrow "
Touch base
Touch base
Meaning:
Reconnect or ‘check in’
"Let’s touch base at the end of next week to see how we’re tracking with project 101 "
No brainer
It’s a no brainer
Meaning:
It’s obvious or self-evident
"It’s a no brainer that a Work Integrated Learning program helps students "
At the end of the day
At the end of the day
Meaning:
When everything is taken into consideration
" At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if we go with option A or option B, the result will be similar "
Get all your ducks in a row
Get all your ducks in a row
Meaning:
Prepare or organise for an upcoming event, activity or meeting
"They should have had their ducks in a row beforehand, so they were ready to start their placement on time"
Think outside of the box
Think outside of the box
Meaning:
Be creative or innovative when solving a problem
"Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box on this one"
On my radar
On my radar
Meaning:
On my radar
"That new tool has been on my radar for a while "
Win-win situation
Win-win situation
Meaning:
A situation where there is only a positive outcome for every party
" Implementing this CRM system has been a win-win situation for both the sales consultants and the clients "
Out of the blue
Meaning:
Present an unexpected challenge.
" The design change came out of the blue "
If you are in an environment that is more casual, it’s important to be aware that humour, story-telling and jokes are subjective – meaning that different people find different topics amusing. So remember, if any language or joke makes you feel uncomfortable or offended, you have the right to ask the person to stop, or discuss the behaviour with your supervisor or WIL mentor.
Understanding Australian Workplace Cultures: Thriving in the Australian workplace
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