a day ago
The secret language of Aussie workplaces
More resources for language educators
Watch Weird and Wonderful Aussie English on SBS On Demand 'Tall poppy! Get down here!' Howie: Have you ever worked in an Aussie office and noticed something… different? Meetings feel more like casual chats.
And sometimes… swearing is totally fine. If you're new to Australia, you might ask:
'How should I speak at work?' Let's explore how Aussie attitudes shape the way people communicate at work — and what that says about the culture.
One of the most important Aussie values is a fair go —
the idea that everyone deserves an equal chance in life and at work. This value shows up everywhere: in sport, in school, and in the workplace. But Aussie culture is full of contradictions.
We take fairness seriously, but we also love not taking ourselves too seriously.
From construction sites to corporate offices,
Aussies use slang, give nicknames, joke around — and yes, often swear. This casual tone reflects an older cultural fascination with folk heroes and the rough-and-tumble spirit. It's part of a long tradition of pushing back against authority — and laughing while doing it.
Our modern idea of the Australian worker was shaped by WWI soldiers, known as diggers. While fighting overseas, diggers developed a strong national identity.
They embraced the Aussie traits of mateship, humour, and equality. They loved bush poetry, chanted in slang, and didn't show much respect for generals or hierarchy.
'Mate' is a deeply positive word in Australia — but it can also be used in a not-so-friendly tone:
'Maaaate…' (when someone's annoyed). Aussies are famous for using 'bad' words in creative, often affectionate, ways. Swearing has long been part of jobs like soldiering, shearing, and cattle-driving.
But even back then, people knew when to tone it down — especially around women or the boss. So yes, swearing happens — but Aussies also know when to keep it clean.
'Fair go' is so sacred, even politicians use it.
But not always successfully. Sometimes Aussies don't buy it — especially if the message doesn't pass the pub test. 'Would a regular group of people at the pub believe this?' Aussies also have terms for people who don't seem fair. One of the worst things you can do?
Be arrogant. Be a tall poppy. Originally, 'tall poppy' was about cutting down those who were too successful or full of themselves. By the mid-20th century, it also reflected a deeper insecurity —
A sense that standing out made people cringe or feel like Australia wasn't good enough.
That feeling is known as cultural cringe. Today, tall poppy syndrome still pops up — especially when someone is seen as 'too big for their boots.'
While Aussies dislike arrogance, they also can't stand laziness. The term 'bludger' refers to someone who doesn't pull their weight.
It's one of the most hated labels in Australian English. To be called a bludger is deeply insulting — and it reflects how much Aussies value hard work and contribution.
Aussies have always loved folk heroes — and it shows in how we talk about work. We believe in equality, fairness, and calling things as they are.
Even casual talk and swearing can be signs of inclusion — a way to say, 'We're all equals here.' 'I talk to the Prime Minister the same way I talk to my mate at the pub.'
Aussie English is still evolving.
Sometimes we get the balance wrong. But we can always start by welcoming people from around the world,
valuing their voices, and learning from the words they bring. That's what helps Aussie English grow — and what makes the workplace a fairer, more inclusive place for everyone.
Weird and Wonderful Aussie English Video production company: New Mac Video Agency
