Just arrived in Australia and already confused by the words arvo, brekkie, and no worries? 😅 You're not alone!

A confused Thai nurse learning Aussie slang words like brekkie and arvo
📚 Learn 10 common Aussie slang terms that locals use every day, illustrated by Atom Dek Nurse

Today, we’re sharing the top 10 Aussie slang words that locals use in daily conversations. Master these, and you'll sound just like a true Aussie in no time! 💬

🥐 1. Brekkie = Breakfast

Example: “Let’s grab some brekkie before work!”
Meaning: Let’s have breakfast before work.
Tip: Very common in hospitals: “after brekkie” = after breakfast

🌅 2. Arvo = Afternoon

Example: “See you this arvo!”
Meaning: See you this afternoon.

😌 3. No worries = It’s okay / You're welcome

Example: “Thanks!” – “No worries!”
Meaning: You're welcome / No problem at all

💁‍♀️ 4. Mate = Friend

Example: “How’s it going, mate?”
Meaning: How are you, buddy?

👋 5. Cuppa = A cup of tea or coffee

Example: “Wanna have a cuppa?”
Meaning: Want to grab a tea or coffee?

🛠️ 6. Servo = Petrol station

Example: “Stop by the servo for fuel.”
Meaning: Let’s stop at the petrol station.

🍻 7. Bottle-o = Liquor store

Example: “Let’s go to the bottle-o.”
Meaning: Let’s go buy some alcohol.

💰 8. Broke = Out of money

Example: “Can’t go out, I’m broke.”
Meaning: I don’t have any money right now.

🧑‍⚕️ 9. Doc = Doctor

Example: “I saw the doc today.”
Meaning: I went to see the doctor today.

🚑 10. Ambo = Ambulance

Example: “Call the ambo!”
Meaning: Call the ambulance!

📊 Aussie Slang Quick Table

Aussie Slang Meaning When to Use
Brekkie Breakfast Morning
Arvo Afternoon Talking about time
No worries It's okay Casual response
Mate Friend Greeting someone
Cuppa Tea or Coffee Break time
Servo Petrol Station Travelling
Bottle-o Liquor Store Party prep
Broke No money End of month 😅
Doc Doctor Medical
Ambo Ambulance Emergency

💡 Pro Tip for Using Aussie Slang

Want to sound like a local Aussie? Just sprinkle these slang terms into friendly conversations. Aussies love it when newcomers try to speak their language—it’s a sign you’re embracing their culture! ❤️

#AtomDekNurse | Thai Nurse, Aussie Heart 💙

Read more: How to study nursing in Australia

Explore more Aussie slang on australia.gov.au 🇦🇺