Glossary of Aussie terms

Billy: a tin with a lid and a wire handle used for boiling water, making tea, etc. over an open fire.

Bore: a bore is where you find groundwater that has been accessed by drilling into underground water storages called aquifers.

CWA: (Country Women’s Association) The CWA is the largest women’s organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children.

Dam: a reservoir used as a water supply.

Esky: a portable insulated container for keeping food or drink cool.

Fair dinkum: fair or true

Farm stay: paid accommodation on a farm

Flat chat: at full speed, going as fast as you possibly can.

Jack Robinson: fast or quick

Jaffle Iron: a device for making toasted sandwiches over an open fire, consisting of two hinged metal plates on a long handle.

Milk bar: a corner shop that sells milkshakes and other refreshments.

Paddock: small field

Pajero: A type of four-wheel drive vehicle.

Pikelets: a thin kind of crumpet

Prickle: a short, pointed outgrowth on a plant; a small thorn.

Pilliga Scrub: is a forest of some 3,000 km2 of semi-arid woodland in temperate north-central New South Wales, Australia.

Rissole: A slang abbreviation for RSL.

Rouseabout: an unskilled labourer or odd jobber on a farm, especially in a shearing shed.

RSL: The Returned and Services League, Australia (RSL) is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Defence Force and provides a social club in communities.

Smoko: a rest from work for a tea or coffee break.

Swag: In Australia, a “swag” is a portable “sleeping unit.” A small tent with a mattress included made from heavy duty canvas.

Ute: a utility vehicle; a pickup in Australia or New Zealand.