Being so far from Australia, Yanks often have it really tough understanding the time differences. Even our dating system can cause confusion. Like most of the world, Australia uses the format day, month, year while Americans use month, day, year. 11/12/04 would be the 11th of December to an Aussie while a Yank would say it’s November 12th.
Australian time-related slangs prove that the Aussie way is not just a matter of lazy lapping waves and daydreams. It is a culture all its own. The day starts with “bonzer,” which is used to describe everything from an amazing surf, to a nice-looking person. “Bonza” means good. “Banging” means great or outstanding and “arseways” means opposite or wrong.
So if you’re planning to meet, make sure you’re both talking about the same day.
| Arvo | afternoon |
| Evo | evening |
| Brekkie | breakfast |
| Tea | light meal late afternoon or main meal in the evening, also a drink |
| Satdee | Saturday |
| Sundee | Sunday |
| Fortnight | generally 14 days, but if said “Monday fortnight” it means not next Monday, but the one after that. |
| Yonks | a long period of time |
| Ron | later on |
| Smoko | a break which includes eating and drinking, as well as a cigarette if you get the opportunity. Initially referred to as a cigarette break. |
| Sickie | Refers to a day off (from work) when you feel lazy and wanted to do other things. |
| Holidays | usually refers to time off work, vacation |
| Chrissy | Christmas |
| Cup Day | public holiday when everyone watches the Melbourne Cup |
| Ekka Day | public holiday in Brisbane for the Ekka (state fair in USA) |
| Break-up Day | last day of school |
| The Wet | rainy season during summer in tropical northern Australia |
