10 Things Immigrants Find Surprising About Australia

Australian immigrants share some of the culture shocks they’ve experienced while living in Australia.

1) Australians — or Aussies as they’re called sometimes — swear a lot

According to our source, they swear casually at work or even in the office. Talk about talking yo[redacted!]

2) Australians are passionate about their coffee

Sources say that if an Australian invites you for a hot beverage, they usually mean coffee, regardless of whether you drink it or not.

3) Australians have a thing for feet…

No, pervert. Not a foot fetish. It just means it’s not unusual to see people walking barefoot in Australia, from the malls to random places.

4) Aussies have a thing for double-speak

“Yeah, nah” = No.?

“Nah, yes” = Yes.

Mind = blown.

blown.?

5) Unlike America, people in Australia are pretty laid back

None of that hustle culture business or “bragging” about your achievements. Related phrases to remind you not to “boast” include: “Don’t big-note yourself,” “Don’t be up yourself,” and my personal favorite, “Don’t put the dog on.”

6) Small talk is a way of life

Everyone gets a fun fact. Yay!

7) There’s a slang for everything

Arvo means afternoon. Chook means chicken. Barbie — and you’ll never guess this — refers to…Barbecue and Sparky means electrician.

Here’s a fun trivia for you. Translate: When you come over this arvo, could you stop at the store to pick me up some Chook to make Barbies?

8) Work-life balance actually…exists?

It’s not uncommon to see people close for the day at 5 p.m. and have those boundaries respected.

9) Tea means dinner in Australia

Yup, I’m as surprised as you are. When people say tea time in Australia, they mean a full-on dinner.

10) Lastly, Chicken Salt — which you only find in Australia

Australia’s best-kept secret for seasoning food/meals. If you know, you know.

Credits:

Writer: Hassan Taiwo Yahaya

Editor: Doz Anyaegbunam

If you've gotten this far, you should probably check out The Newcomers