Wednesday, 24 October 2007 @ 10:25pm.

I’ve struggled a little bit here and there with differences between American English and Australian English. It is usually not a big deal and sometimes it is fun to learn…though I must admit when there are several differences that pop up in one day I can get annoyed…

AMERICAN — AUSTRALIAN

French fries — Chips
Potato chips — Chips
How are you doing? — How you going?
Gas — Petrol
Police station — Cop shop
Mailman — Postman or postie
Friend — Mate
Well done or good job — Good on ya
Rugrat or small child — Ankle biter
Afternoon — Arvo
Takeout — Takeaway
Television — Telly
Flip-flops — Thongs
Ketchup — Tomato sauce
Gossip — Goss
Flashlight — Torch
Sweatshirt and sweatpants — Tracksuit
Whine or complain — Whinge
Trunk — Boot
Cash back — Cash out (when you get cash after using a credit/debit card at the store register)
very — bloody
breakfast — brekkie
chicken — chook

I did think the following joke was funny:
“As far as I’m concerned, a possum is just a rat with an Australian passport.” (Hamish & Andy radio show)

For more Aussie terms, check out: http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html