Goon.
(Noun) Cheap wine soFooty
(Noun) Abbreviation of football; Australia’s favourite pastime*.
“Should we invite Johnno around to watch the footy this arvo?”
*Note: whether this refers to Aussie rules, rugby or less commonly, association football, is
still up for debate.
Galah
(Noun) A stupid or idiotic person; often accompanied by the adjective ‘flaming’. Inspired by
our very own native bird, known for flying into windows.
“Nah mate, Johnno’s a flamin’ galah.”
Goon
(Noun) Cheap wine sold in large cartons.
“Two types of people drink goon: bogans and backpackers.”
Maccas
(Noun) McDonalds, a popular purveyor of fast food. See also: ‘Dirty Bird’ (KFC).
“Let’s pop into Maccas after the footy.”
Mate
(Noun) Friend; used in a variety of different contexts.
Addressing an actual friend: “G’day, mate.”
Addressing an enemy: “Listen here, mate…”
Expression of congratulations: “Maaate!”
Expression of indignation: “Aw, mate…”
Expression of surprise: “Mate!”
Expression of scepticism: “Maaate…”
Check out the local beaches near Coolangatta YHA with your best mate.
Shout
(Noun) A round of drinks at a bar; nothing to do with raising one’s voice.
“It’s Johnno’s shout, the bludger.”
Snag
(Noun) Sausage – a cylinder of processed meat that represents Australia’s richest culinary
tradition.
“I asked Johnno to pick up some snags for the barbie this arvo, but the flamin' galah forgot.”
Thongs
(Noun) Sandals or ‘flip-flops’, wedged between one’s toes... rather than one’s posterior.
“Bogans always wear thongs, even to a funeral.”
U-ey
(Noun) (Pronounced: yoo-ee) A U-turn; changing the direction of a vehicle 180 degrees.
“Chuck a u-ey” (i.e. “Perform a U-turn”).
Woop Woop
(Noun) The remote outback, or 'middle of nowhere'
“If this galah doesn’t chuck a u-ey soon we’re going to end up in Woop Woop.”
Want to learn more about this weird and wonderful continent? Read answers to the most
commonly asked questions about Australia or check out our top travel tips for visitors!
Sign up to YHA Australia
Get monthly inspiration for your next adventure in Australia.
Subscribe now
Book direct and save
By booking direct with MyYHA you'll receive our exclusive discounted rates. Sign up or login
to get 10% off at select properties.
Book now
Learn more
YHA Sydney Harbour
This modern, sustainable property in The Rocks draws an international crowd with its world-
class harbour views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
View Details
YHA Blue Mountains (Katoomba)
This historic lodge located right in the middle of Katoomba is as cosy as it is hospitable.
Escape the city and make it your base for your next outdoor adventure.
View Details
YHA Byron Bay
Relax in good company at this state-of-the-art, sustainable YHA in Byron Bay. With gorgeous
communal spaces & a great social vibe, you'll never want to leave.
View Details
YHA Sydney Central
Located in a heritage-listed building in the heart of Sydney, this bustling international hub is
next to all major train & tram lines for easy access to the city's top attractions.
View Details
YHA Fremantle Prison
Part experience, part accommodation, spend a night behind bars at the UNESCO-listed YHA
Fremantle Prison – a one-of-a-kind piece of convict history.
View Details
YHA Adelaide Central
Located in the heart of Adelaide, the chilled-out YHA Adelaide Central boasts spacious
communal spaces & easy access to all the hotspots & events of South Australia's capital.
View Details
YHA Hobart Central
A perfect gateway to Hobart and the rest of Tasmania, this friendly, centrally-located
property is barely two blocks from the waterfront and the city's best cultural attractions.
View Details
YHA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our
respects to the elders, past and present, and the extended Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities. We recognise their custodianship of the land, sea, & water for over
60,000 year
ld in large cartons.
