Australians shorten many words and then add “a,” “-o,” “-y,” or “-ie.” These are called “friendly” or “diminutive” endings. And the words are certainly cute, but often I find myself clueless about the meaning. Scholars have theorized that Australians use abbreviations and diminutives to create a bond with others that emphasizes friendliness, community, and informality.
Here are some examples of Australia’s abbreviations with diminutive endings:
- Aggro – aggravation
- Ambo - ambulance
- Arvo – afternoon
- Barbie – barbecue
- Bikkie – cookie
- Brekkie – breakfast
- Choccy - chocolate
- Chrissy – Christmas
- Cuppa – cup of tea generally
- Defo – definitely
- Docu – documentary
- Esky – what we would call a cooler
- Inspo – inspiration
- Journo - journalist
- Lippie – lipstick
- Lollies – candy
- Maccas – McDonald’s
- Maggie - magpie
- Mozzie – mosquito
- Muso – musician
- Pokie – slot machine
- Prezzie – present or gift
- Rego - Registration
- Servo – gas station
- Sickie – a sick day from the office or school
- Tradie – a tradesman
- Uni – university
- Vego – vegetarian