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Learn English: Aussie beach slang

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An Australian beach
An Australian beach.()

Discover some slang that will help you have a good time as you enjoy the beach in Australia.

Cossies and swimmers

'Cossies' and 'swimmers' are both slang for swimming costume. They're an essential piece of clothing for enjoying Australian beaches.

Rashies and boardies are great for water sports
Rashies and boardies are great for water sports.()

Boardies and rashies

'Boardies' are board shorts, which are quick-drying shorts that can be worn by all genders.

Rash vests or 'rashies' are worn over your cossies. Think of them as a t-shirt that's made for the water. They're a great form of sun protection and help prevent scratches from water sports like surfing.

Surfie

A 'surfie' is someone who surfs.

"There were a group of surfies hanging around the promenade with their surfboards."

Thongs on the sand
A pair of thongs on the sand.()

Thongs

'Thongs' are sandals that can be worn to the beach and lots of other places. Thongs are uniquely Australian slang. In America, thongs refer to a piece of underwear.

Scorcher

A really hot day can be described as a 'scorcher'.

"Tomorrow's going to be a scorcher. Let's head to the beach."

Bondi beach and the Icebergs swimming pool
Bondi Beach and the Icebergs swimming pool in Sydney.()

Take a dip

To 'take a dip' means to go into the water. It can be used to talk about swimming at the beach, a pool or a river.

"Do you want to take a dip?"

Going in and going out

When you're swimming at the beach, 'going in' can mean going back to the shore and getting out of the water. 'Going out' can mean getting into the water and swimming out from the shore.

Be wise in the water
Rips are a dangerous element of Australian beaches. It's important to know how to be wise in the water.()

Rip

Short for rip current, a 'rip' is a strong current of water that can pull you away from the shore. Rips are quite dangerous and it's important to stay calm and signal for lifesavers if you find yourself caught in one.

In Australia, we say 'swim between the flags' to encourage people to swim in the safest area of a lifeguard-patrolled beach.

A group of nippers from surf lifesaving clubs in Victoria.
A group of nippers from surf lifesaving clubs in Victoria.()

Nippers

'Nippers' are children between five and 13 years of age that are participating in surf lifesaving programs. Their activities include board paddling, dolphin-diving, beach sprinting and water safety.

"The nippers were running across the beach on Sunday morning."

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Sunscreen and sunglasses on the grass.()

Slip, slop, slap

'Slip, slop, slap' originated as a Cancer Council television campaign that was all about protecting your skin under the harsh rays of the Australian sun. It was short for 'slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat'. It has since been updated to also include 'seek and slide' - short for seek shade and slide on sunglasses, otherwise known as 'sunnies'.

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Posted , updated