Vocabulary

Technically, the United States and Australia are both English-speaking countries. It has become evident, however, that the geographical disparity creates two different forms of the language. Even though I strategically chose to spend my semester abroad in a country where they speak my native tongue, there’s still plenty of lingo to pick up:

1. Jumper: In Australia, a Jumper refers to a sweater. Not those cute little dresses I wore as a kid or a cable to start your car.

2. School: Refers to lower school and high school only. “School” does not refer to all forms of educational institutions the way it does in the US.

3. Dodgy: Sketchy, shady, etc cetera

4. Trestle: A folding table

5. Chook: “Chicken” as in a wimp, not marsala

6. Runners: Sneakers/athletic shoes. It really does make more sense when I go for a run

7. Sunnies: Sunglasses, pretty self-explanatory

8. Boot: The trunk of a car

9. Petrol: gasoline

10. Mozzy: mosquito

11. Rubbish bin: Garbage can

12. Arvo: Afternoon

13. Bogan: Australian version of a redneck

14. Esky: A cooler bag

15. Lollies: Candies

16. Op Shop: Thrift shop