Australian workplace jargon is a vibrant and integral aspect of the country’s professional culture. From casual conversations in the office kitchen to formal client meetings, understanding and incorporating this unique language into your communication repertoire can significantly enhance your effectiveness and success in the Australian workplace.

In every workplace worldwide, employees use a unique language to communicate with one another. This language, often called workplace jargon, is a collection of terms, phrases, and expressions specific to that particular environment. In Australia, workplace jargon is no exception, and understanding it can be crucial for effective communication and integration into the workplace culture.

This article will touch on the rich tapestry of Australian workplace jargon, exploring its origins, common phrases, and practical applications. Whether you’re a newcomer to the Australian job market or a seasoned professional looking to expand your linguistic repertoire, this article will provide valuable insights into the language of the Australian workplace.

Origins of Australian Workplace Jargon

Australian workplace jargon reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage and unique linguistic evolution. Influenced by British English, Indigenous languages, and various immigrant communities, Australian workplace jargon has developed its distinct flavour over time.

One significant influence on Australian workplace jargon is the country’s rich history of slang usage. From colloquialisms derived from convict origins to modern-day, Australian slang permeates everyday conversation, including the workplace.

Common Australian Workplace Jargon

“Arvo” – Short for afternoon, commonly used to refer to the latter part of the day. For example, “Let’s schedule the meeting for this arvo.”

“Smoko” – A short break typically taken to smoke cigarettes or have a snack. However, the term often refers to any short work break. For instance, “I’ll catch you after smoko for a chat.”

“Chockers” – Used to describe a situation or place that is very crowded or full. For example, “The office car park is chockers today.”

“Chrissie” – Short for Christmas, commonly used during the holiday season. For instance, “We’re having a Chrissie party in the office next week.”

“Brekkie” – Abbreviation for breakfast, often used when discussing morning meetings or events. For example, “We’re having a team brekkie tomorrow to celebrate our success.”

“Fair dinkum” – An expression used to emphasise the sincerity or truthfulness of a statement. For instance, “He’s a fair dinkum bloke, always willing to lend a hand.”

“Sickie” – A day off taken due to illness, whether legitimate or not. For example, “I’m feeling a bit under the weather, so I might take a sickie tomorrow.”

“Servo” – Short for service station or gas station. For instance, “I need to stop by the servo on the way home to fill up the car.”

“BYO” – An acronym for Bring Your Own, commonly used when referring to social events where guests are expected to bring their own food or drinks. For example, “The office party is BYO, so don’t forget to bring a plate.”

“Barbie” – Short for barbecue, a popular social gathering involving outdoor cooking. For instance, “We’re having a barbie in the park on Saturday, you should come along.”

“G’day”– This is a common Australian greeting that means “hello” or “good day”. For example, “G’day, welcome to the country side.”  

“Grab a feed” – A phrase used to say let us get something to eat. For example, “I’m hungry, let’s grab a feed.” 

“How ya goin’? / Howzit goin’?” – Another way of saying “How are you?”. For example, “How ya goin’, Mohammad?” 

“Knock off” – To finish work or end the workday. For example, if someone says, “I’m knocking off at 5pm”, it means they will be finishing work at 5pm. 

Practical Applications of Australian Workplace Jargon

Understanding and incorporating Australian workplace jargon into your daily communication can have numerous benefits in the professional setting.

• Fostering Inclusivity: By familiarising yourself with Australian workplace jargon, you demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the local culture, which can help foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity among your colleagues.
• Enhancing Communication: Utilising common phrases and expressions specific to the Australian workplace can streamline communication and facilitate clearer understanding between team members, increasing productivity and efficiency.
• Building Rapport: Incorporating Australian workplace jargon into your conversations can help you build rapport with your colleagues, demonstrating your willingness to integrate into the workplace culture and connect on a more personal level.
• Improving Networking Opportunities: When networking with Australian professionals, speaking the language of the local workplace can make a positive impression and open doors to new opportunities within your industry.