When English isn’t your native language, you may find entering the Australian workplace confusing as often Australians use ‘jargon’ or ‘slang’ in everyday conversations, including in the office.
This presents a unique language challenge for graduates. And is something you should get acquainted with before your first day so you understand, and can potentially, use a few colloquial phrases yourself!
Performance Education’s guide to the top Australian jargon/slang phrases used in the workplace:
1. Get your ducks in a row
Meaning: Be organised.
Example: I’m going to get my ducks in a row before the meeting this afternoon, so I’m prepared and across everything that needs to be achieved.
2. Circle back
Meaning: To come back to or reconsider.
Example: I want to circle back to my original point on the program’s structure.
3. Think outside the box
Meaning: A metaphor meaning to think differently, unconventionally or from a new perspective.
Example: In a challenging situation sometimes it’s necessary to think outside the box.
4. Grab a cuppa
Meaning: Let’s sit down together in an informal setting and have a cup of tea.
Example: Let’s grab a cuppa & work through the presentation together.
5. My week’s Chocka Block
Meaning: Chocka Block is slang for being ‘very full’ or ‘busy’.
Example: This week is already chocka block for me, we’ll have to organise the meeting next week.
6. Touch base
Meaning: Briefly make or renew contact with someone.
Example: I will touch base with you after lunch to go through the to do list.
7. Going forward
Meaning: A progression in time from the present; the term suggests a continuing and progressive movement.
Example: Going forward, I would like to allocate 15 minutes at the end of our team meeting to type up my notes.
8. Giving it 110%
Meaning: An expression that is defined as giving all that you’ve got, plus more.
Example: I will give it 110% to have the task completed on time.
9. Close of play
Meaning: The end of the trading day, office hours (i.e. 5.00pm) or the point when trading ceases.
Example: I will have that report done by close of play.
10. It’s on my radar
Meaning: In a person’s awareness.
Example: Don’t worry, it’s on my radar – I’ll have the project finished for the deadline next week.
11. At the end of the day
Meaning: When everything is taken into consideration.
Example: At the end of the day, if the customer is satisfied with the service, we have done our job properly.
12. It’s a no-brainer
Meaning: The decision is so obvious or easy, it requires little or no thought.
Example: When you’re given the opportunity to take on extra duties in your position, it’s a no brainer as it offers the opportunity to learn new skills.
13. Arvo
Meaning: A shortened reference of the word ‘afternoon’.
Example: I’ll see you in the meeting later this arvo.
14. It’s a win-win situation
Meaning: A situation or outcome where everyone comes away happy.
Example: When offering a special promotion, it’s a win-win for all parties – the client gets a great deal, and the company gets a new client.
15. No worries!
Meaning: Another way of saying ‘No problems’, ‘That’s all right’ or ‘Do not worry about that’, it can also mean ‘Sure thing’ or ‘You’re Welcome’.
Example: No worries, we can get it done tomorrow.