Aussie Slang: Bogan, Thongs and Woop Woop

Bogan: this is a tricky word to explain. It is definitely used in Sydney but we can’t vouch for whether it’s used elsewhere. It refers to in a general sense, the following things: broad Australian accent, beer drinking, less well educated individuals. It is not a flattering term and should not be used by those who don’t understand its full meaning. We suggest for a more specific description of the term, you look it up on Urban Dictionary. Just saying, we didn’t write it.

Thongs: this is one of the most commonly misunderstood words by foreigners. When we say thongs, we are not referring to a particular type of ladies lingerie. We are in fact referring to what Americans call flip flops. Australians say this word all the time, particularly in summer. So new comers, be warned, and close your mouth, we aren’t joking and we aren’t being obscene. 

Woop Woop: this is not a real location. Despite the similarity with genuine places in Australia (think Tittybong and Wolloomooloo – yep, these are real places, and there really are that many o’s), Woop Woop is a term used to describe something being far, far away in the middle of nowhere. Don’t be fooled and don’t be upset when we laugh at you for asking where it is.

Photo by Johnny Jet