20 Words Aussies Don't Understand

Homographs, homonyms, homophones, homosexuals; I get them all mixed-up. No matter what the technical name is, some English words have very different meanings for Americans and Aussies. In a world down under where "trucks" are "utes" and appetizers are called "entrées," things can get pretty confusing

1. Thongs

American

Australian

2. Biscuits

American

This is a cookie, Australia.

3. Jelly

Jelly is delicious on a biscuit.

Jello would be gross on a biscuit.

Flashlights are not dangerous; they are helpful.

4. Torch

This picture is terrifying. Torches are dangerous.

5. Bench

American

That's right; Aussies call counter-tops, "benches."

6. Bonnet

Cheer up, Grandma! You're wearing a bonnet!

An Australian would say, "This car's bonnet is up."

7. Joey

Baby kangaroos are named after the most adorable "Friends" character: Joey Tribbiani.

8. Capsicum

You mean "Caprisun?" Yes, please!

Nope. Capsicum is their pretencious word for bell peppers.

9. Chips

Ask an Australian what they call these. He or she will say "chips."

Finally, we have that in common!

But they call fries "chips" too. Ugh. So close.

And they eat them with gravy...EW.

10. Uni

Our abbreviation for, "unibrow."

OK, maybe I'm the only one who abbreviates "unibrow."

Their abbreviation for, "University."

11. Lemonade

I visited Australia for Christmas last year (which they're also confused about. Its supposed to be winter in December. Duh.) and one day, I ordered a lemonade for lunch; it was so damn hot outside.

This is what the waitress brought me. A fucking Sprite wannabe. Australians call lemon-lime sodas, "lemonade."

12. Chemist

When I was down under my friend suggested we visit the "Chemist" to get gel for my toothache. I seriously thought she wanted me to buy drugs from a creepy person who called themselves a "chemist."

She drove me to the pharmacy.

13. Dummy

Dummy.

Dummy.

Dummy?

Silly, Aussies!! That's a pacifier!

14. PowerPoint

This is an outlet.

Also, when is the world going to conform and produce only one kind of outlet and plug for the entire universe?

15. Feral

No matter what type of being it is, I LOVE ANYTHING FERAL.

Via stumbledownunder.com

Except this. I don't love this.

In Oz, people would refer to this as a, "Feral ute." Down under a truck is called a "ute."

Also, There are over a million ferel camels in Australia.

16. Outback

Blooming onions everyday.

The only thing fried here is what's left of a few lost traveler's flesh after being attacked by EVERY SINGLE POISONOUS CREATURE ON EARTH and burnt to a crisp by the SCORCHING sun.

17. Swag

This contraption doubles as a bed and personal tent; Aussies call it a "swag."

18. Runners

Runners wear runners.

19. Pudding

Unfortunately for me, Aussies love to eat "pudding" around Christmas. It tastes like warm and disgusting fruit cake.

20. Barbie

American Barbie.

Australian Barbie.

To Southern Americans, barbecue is a food. In the North barbecue is a verb. In Australia a barbie is a grill.