150 Top Slang Words Across Oceania by Country and Dialect with Meanings

Discover Australian, Kiwi, Maori, Tok Pisin, and Samoan slang phrases by language and region with cultural meanings and real-life examples.

Oceania is a region brimming with colorful expressions and unique linguistic flavors. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the quiet coastal towns of New Zealand, the language of the locals bursts with character. Slang in Oceania is more than casual conversation; it reflects cultural identity, deep-rooted traditions, and a dynamic sense of humor. Whether spoken by surfers along the Australian coast or teenagers in urban Auckland, these phrases offer insight into everyday life across the Pacific.

Australian English slang words used in Sydney and Melbourne often include playful abbreviations and catchy rhythms. New Zealand English slang phrases carry a friendly yet cheeky tone that represents Kiwi warmth. Across Maori communities, expressions embody ancestral wisdom and a strong sense of identity. In Papua New Guinea, Tok Pisin captures a blend of English and local dialects, creating a vibrant linguistic landscape. The Pacific Islands echo with Samoan youth slang, often shaped by family values and island vibes.

These regional dialects are essential tools of expression in Oceania. Locals use them to bond, tease, affirm, and celebrate one another. Understanding Oceania slang words used across cities, tribes, and generations provides a richer perspective on the social and cultural heartbeat of the region. Whether you're learning Australian slang for a trip to Melbourne or uncovering Maori words for cultural connection, this list brings the spoken rhythm of Oceania to life.

Aussie Street Talk in Sydney and Melbourne

• That's a ripper of a snag, mate. (That's an amazing sausage, my friend.)
• I’m flat out like a lizard drinking. (I’m really busy.)
• She’s a top sheila, ay. (She’s a great woman.)
• Chuck a sickie tomorrow. (Pretend to be sick to skip work.)
• Got on the piss last night. (Drank alcohol heavily last night.)
• He’s a bogan from the suburbs. (He’s a working-class person with rough manners.)
• This feed’s bloody bonza. (This meal is excellent.)
• That bloke’s dodgy as. (That guy is very suspicious.)
• I’m knackered from that arvo jog. (I’m exhausted from the afternoon jog.)
• Let’s head to the servo. (Let’s go to the gas station.)
• She's fully into footy, mate. (She’s really passionate about football.)
• This party’s off its chops. (This party is wild.)
• Get your thongs on. (Put on your flip-flops.)
• It’s bucketing down. (It’s raining heavily.)
• I carked it on that hill. (I almost died climbing that hill.)
• Take the mickey out of him. (Make fun of him.)
• He’s gone troppo in this heat. (He’s acting crazy because of the heat.)
• We’ll have a barbie on Sunday. (We’ll host a barbecue on Sunday.)
• The dunny’s out back. (The toilet is located at the back.)
• I’m keen for brekkie. (I’m excited for breakfast.)

Kiwi Chat from New Zealand Youth

• That’s mean as, bro. (That’s really cool, dude.)
• She’s choice, eh. (She’s awesome, right.)
• You reckon, aye? (Do you really think so?)
• We had a mean feed. (We had a really good meal.)
• Sweet as, we’re sorted. (It’s all good, we’re ready.)
• The cuzzies are coming over. (The cousins are visiting.)
• Hard out, man. (Absolutely, dude.)
• He’s a staunch fella. (He’s a tough guy.)
• Stop being a sook. (Stop acting soft or scared.)
• Got the whanau together. (Gathered the extended family.)
• She’s a bit of a dag. (She’s funny or odd.)
• We’ll go have a tiki tour. (Let’s take a scenic drive.)
• Flick us a text. (Send us a text message.)
• It’s a coldie tonight. (It’s cold outside tonight.)
• Gutted we missed it. (Very disappointed we didn’t make it.)
• Don’t be a muppet. (Don’t be silly or foolish.)
• We’re heading to the bach. (We’re going to the holiday home.)
• That’s a crack-up. (That’s very funny.)
• He’s got a bit of mana. (He has strong character or presence.)
• Nah, she’ll be right. (It’ll be fine.)

Maori Slang Used in Community Life

• Kia ora, bro. (Hello, my friend.)
• Chur for the help. (Thanks for helping.)
• That kai was tumeke. (The food was awesome.)
• Got heaps of mahi today. (I have a lot of work to do today.)
• That’s tino pai. (That’s very good.)
• My whanau’s strong as. (My family is very strong.)
• We’re having a hui later. (We’re holding a meeting later.)
• It’s all about aroha. (It’s all about love.)
• He’s a rangatira in the making. (He’s a leader in the making.)
• We’re on the waka together. (We’re on this journey together.)
• Let’s keep the tikanga. (Let’s maintain the cultural protocols.)
• Don’t forget your whakapapa. (Don’t forget your ancestry.)
• We’re doing a powhiri. (We’re performing a welcoming ceremony.)
• The tamariki are playing outside. (The children are playing outside.)
• She’s got wairua. (She has a strong spirit.)
• My kuia used to say that. (My grandmother used to say that.)
• Manaakitanga is key. (Hospitality and respect are essential.)
• Keep it pono. (Keep it honest.)
• We’ll have a wananga this week. (We’ll have a learning session this week.)
• Kia kaha, cousin. (Stay strong, cousin.)

Tok Pisin Slang from Papua New Guinea

• Mi likim yu tru. (I really love you.)
• Em i gutpela samting. (That’s a good thing.)
• Mi wok long go nau. (I’m leaving for work now.)
• Bai mi kamap bek. (I’ll be back.)
• Olgeta samting i orait. (Everything is okay.)
• Em i wanpela man bilong wok. (He’s a hardworking man.)
• Mi no save. (I don’t know.)
• Pikinini i stap wantaim mi. (The child is staying with me.)
• Em i gat bikpela bel. (She’s pregnant.)
• Planti samting i stap. (There are many things happening.)
• Mi tok sori. (I’m sorry.)
• Em i stap long ples. (He’s in the village.)
• Taim bilong kaikai. (It’s time to eat.)
• Bagarap olgeta samting. (Everything is messed up.)
• Em i strongpela meri. (She is a strong woman.)
• Lukim yu bihain. (See you later.)
• Ol i wok long pait. (They are fighting.)
• Em i bikman bilong haus. (He is the head of the house.)
• Em i save long tok. (He understands the language.)
• Mipela bai lukim. (We will see.)

Samoan Youth Slang in the Islands

• Fa’afetai tele lava. (Thank you very much.)
• Uce, that’s mean. (Bro, that’s amazing.)
• Uso, what’s up? (Brother, how are you?)
• That’s all fa’amalosi. (That’s all about staying strong.)
• We’re jamming island beats. (We’re playing island music.)
• Don’t act fa’alavelave. (Don’t be troublesome.)
• That feed was fia lelei. (That meal was so good.)
• Manuia le aso. (Have a good day.)
• Oka loka, that’s nuts. (Oh my, that’s crazy.)
• We chillin’ under the fale. (We’re relaxing under the hut.)
• That’s real aiga vibes. (That’s real family vibes.)
• Fa’a Samoa all day. (Living the Samoan way all day.)
• Don’t be a valea. (Don’t be a fool.)
• We’re heading to the lotu. (We’re going to church.)
• Alofa is life. (Love is life.)
• That guy’s on fa’amalosi. (That guy’s pushing through tough times.)
• We’re out for fiafia night. (We’re out for celebration night.)
• Tautua is key. (Service is important.)
• Fa’amalie atu. (Please forgive.)
• That’s fa’aaloalo. (That’s respect.) 

Oceania slang reflects identity and pride. Whether in urban Australia or coastal Samoa, expressions shape the rhythm of everyday life. Youth culture, community values, and ancestral heritage influence how slang evolves in cities, villages, and remote areas alike.

By learning Australian slang in Sydney, Maori phrases in New Zealand, or Tok Pisin in Papua New Guinea, we gain a deeper understanding of the people and their shared stories. These linguistic expressions are more than casual phrases; they are songs of survival, celebration, and identity. Across regions, one finds humor, resilience, and emotional richness in these words.

To discover more vibrant island expressions, visit oceania slang words across cultures and islands.

Oceania is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, languages, and expressions. From the laid-back Aussie lingo in Sydney and Melbourne to the earthy tones of New Zealand’s Maori heritage, the region reflects its unique history and lifestyle through rich slang usage. Across different countries in Oceania, slang becomes a powerful mirror of social values, youth culture, and regional influences. Whether in bustling Australian cities or the traditional lands of Papua New Guinea, slang captures local flavor like nothing else.

Australian English slang words used in Sydney and Melbourne are particularly distinctive. They combine British colonial influences with modern pop culture and indigenous terms. Similarly, New Zealand English slang phrases shaped by Kiwi youth culture add energy and humor to everyday speech. Maori slang terms deeply reflect the values and experiences of indigenous communities, often blending tradition with contemporary attitudes.

In Papua New Guinea, Tok Pisin slang expressions express solidarity and resilience in a multicultural society with hundreds of languages. Likewise, Samoan slang phrases used among youth in the Pacific Islands express pride, community, and identity. These regional slangs are not just linguistic tools but symbols of belonging. This article explores 10 regions and language sets that define Oceania's slang landscape.

Australian English Slang in Sydney Streets

• Reckon you could shout us a servo stop before we hit the bottle-o. (I think you should stop for gas before we go buy alcohol.)
• She’s got kangaroos loose in the top paddock. (She’s acting a little crazy.)
• Chuck a sickie and head down to the beach. (Pretend to be sick and go to the beach instead of work.)
• That bloke's got tickets on himself. (He’s arrogant or full of himself.)
• He’s a true blue, mate. (He’s a genuine Aussie.)
• We’ll be arvo beers at the local. (We’ll have afternoon beers at the neighborhood pub.)
• You right there, cobber? (Are you okay, friend?)
• Let’s give it a burl. (Let’s give it a try.)
• It's going off like a frog in a sock. (Something is very lively or chaotic.)
• She spat the dummy. (She lost her temper.)
• That ute’s rooted. (That pickup truck is broken.)
• He carked it last week. (He passed away.)
• The footy was a ripper last night. (The football game was excellent.)
• Don’t come the raw prawn with me. (Don’t try to fool me.)
• We’re flat out like a lizard drinking. (We’re extremely busy.)
• Nah, I’m just taking the piss. (I’m joking.)
• We’ll have a barbie on Sunday. (We’ll have a barbecue on Sunday.)
• That’s a fair dinkum offer. (That’s a genuine offer.)
• She's as flash as a rat with a gold tooth. (She's showing off in a cheap way.)
• Let’s hit the pokies for a bit. (Let’s go play slot machines.)

Melbourne's Urban Aussie Code

• That joint's a complete dive. (That place is in terrible condition.)
• It's a scorcher today, mate. (It's very hot today.)
• Give us a bell later. (Call me later.)
• He’s a deadset legend. (He’s truly admirable.)
• We took the tram out to Fitzroy. (We used the streetcar to go to Fitzroy.)
• That was a total fizzer. (That was a disappointment.)
• She’s got a heart of gold. (She’s very kind.)
• I’m knackered from the shift. (I’m very tired from work.)
• Let’s head to the footy oval. (Let’s go to the football field.)
• He’s a bit of a drongo. (He’s acting foolish.)
• Cuppa and Tim Tams for arvo tea. (Tea and cookies for afternoon snack.)
• That car’s a real hoon mobile. (That car is used for reckless driving.)
• I got bogged near the bush. (My car got stuck in mud.)
• The festival was chockers. (The festival was packed.)
• They’re full-on, those guys. (They’re intense or extreme.)
• It's my shout this time. (I’m paying this time.)
• We were devo after the loss. (We were devastated by the defeat.)
• Give that bloke a fair go. (Give that man a chance.)
• I’ll suss it out. (I’ll check it out.)
• He’s punching above his weight. (He’s dating someone more attractive than he is.)

Kiwi Youth Slang in New Zealand

• That party was choice, bro. (That party was really good.)
• Don’t be a stink bug. (Don’t be unpleasant.)
• That’s a hard out fact. (That’s absolutely true.)
• We’re jamming at my whare. (We’re hanging out at my house.)
• Keen for a Macca's run? (Do you want to go to McDonald's?)
• She’s mean as at netball. (She’s really good at netball.)
• That’s all good, eh. (That’s fine or okay.)
• We were lit at the bach. (We were having fun at the vacation home.)
• Chur for the ride. (Thanks for the lift.)
• Nah, I’m just fizzing. (I’m really excited.)
• You’re a GC, bro. (You’re a good person, bro.)
• We’re off to the dairy. (We’re going to the corner store.)
• Don’t get cut, mate. (Don’t get upset.)
• That’s crack-up. (That’s hilarious.)
• Gizza go at that. (Let me try that.)
• She’s going full bogan. (She’s acting low-class.)
• We got on the piss last night. (We drank a lot of alcohol.)
• That’s sus as. (That’s suspicious.)
• He’s a bit of a muppet. (He’s a fool.)
• Holla at your boy. (Call me or reach out.)

Maori Slang from Indigenous New Zealand

• Kia ora, bro. (Hello, friend.)
• That’s tikanga, e hoa. (That’s the proper way, my friend.)
• Chur chur for the kai. (Thanks very much for the food.)
• She’s got heaps of mana. (She has a lot of respect or power.)
• The whanau’s rolling deep today. (The family is out in full.)
• I’m full as after the hangi. (I’m very full after the traditional meal.)
• Don’t whakama, just speak. (Don’t be shy, just talk.)
• That’s my tuakana. (That’s my older sibling or mentor.)
• We’re keeping it kaupapa. (We’re staying on topic or cause.)
• That’s my rohe. (That’s my area or region.)
• Give me a hongi, cuz. (Give me a traditional greeting.)
• Aroha always wins. (Love always wins.)
• Don’t act all pakeha. (Don’t act like a European outsider.)
• We’re tino rangatiratanga here. (We stand for self-determination here.)
• Let’s wānanga about it. (Let’s have a meaningful discussion.)
• I’ll mihi at the hui. (I’ll speak formally at the meeting.)
• That’s solid mahi. (That’s good work.)
• She’s got real wairua. (She has spiritual energy.)
• We stick to our hapū. (We stay with our clan or subtribe.)
• Respect the iwi, bro. (Respect the tribe, friend.)

Papua New Guinea's Tok Pisin Slang

• Mi stap long ples. (I’m in my village.)
• Em i tru ya. (That’s the truth.)
• Em i nogut stret. (That’s really bad.)
• Mi no save. (I don’t know.)
• Em i strongpela man. (He is a strong man.)
• Yu mas lukautim yu yet. (You must take care of yourself.)
• Mi kisim bagarap. (I got into trouble.)
• Taim mi liklik, mi save ron i go. (When I was small, I used to run around.)
• Yu kisim win. (You won or succeeded.)
• Em i gat gutpela bel. (He or she is kind.)
• Mi go wokabaut. (I’m going for a walk.)
• Em i nogat samting. (It doesn’t matter.)
• Mi no likim dispela. (I don’t like this.)
• Olgeta man i kamap. (Everyone showed up.)
• Em i save tok nating. (He speaks nonsense.)
• Mi pilim nogut long yu. (I feel sorry for you.)
• Em i go pinis. (He or she has passed away.)
• Yumi wok bung. (We work together.)
• Em i sot long tingting. (He lacks understanding.)
• Mi tok stret. (I’m being honest.)

Samoan Youth Slang from the Islands

• Fa’afetai lava for the vibes. (Thanks a lot for the good time.)
• She’s a real uso. (She’s a true sister or close friend.)
• That guy’s full fia poto. (That guy tries to act smart.)
• I’m just chilling with my aiga. (I’m relaxing with my family.)
• Don’t be such a palagi. (Don’t act like a foreigner.)
• We on fire, manuia all day. (We’re doing great, blessings all day.)
• It’s time for fa’alavelave. (It’s time for a family obligation.)
• That was savage, fa'amalie atu. (That was harsh, sorry.)
• We lit the fale up last night. (We had a great time at home.)
• That dude is seki. (That guy is cool.)
• I’m fa’amalosi every day. (I’m staying strong every day.)
• Don’t mess with the matai. (Don’t disrespect the chief.)
• We keep it to’a. (We stay calm and respectful.)
• She’s a tama’ita’i toa. (She’s a strong woman.)
• Man, I was loto mama last night. (Man, I was so relaxed last night.)
• He’s a fanua kid. (He’s a local.)
• Always respect the fale. (Always respect the home.)
• I’m in beast mode, upu moni. (I’m serious, no lie.)
• Let’s talanoa about it. (Let’s have a meaningful talk.)
• Fa’a Samoa all day. (Samoan way all the way.)

From the sunlit beaches of Sydney to the sacred meeting houses of Samoa, slang expressions across Oceania reflect more than just language. They represent lifestyle, identity, and resilience. Whether used by urban youth in Melbourne, indigenous Maori elders, or everyday people in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, these phrases embody the richness of each culture's voice.

Each regional dialect has developed its unique slang as a badge of local pride. High-CPC niches like cultural identity, language diversity, and travel experiences tied to Oceania’s cities and communities are especially relevant for content monetization. Expressions from Australian English, Kiwi culture, and Tok Pisin create a tapestry of storytelling through everyday language. Their authenticity helps connect readers emotionally and informatively.

For more local flavor and culturally rich expressions, explore Oceania Slang Guide by Region and Culture.

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