If there’s one thing Australians can agree on, it’s that we love a good nickname. From ‘arvo’ for afternoon to ‘servo’ for service station, we’re masters of abbreviation.
But perhaps the most iconic of all is ‘Macca’s’—our beloved shorthand for McDonald’s. It’s so ingrained in our culture that even the golden arches have embraced it, with ‘Macca’s’ signage popping up nationwide every January for Australia Day.
So, imagine the collective shock when Australians recently discovered that our mates across the pond in the United Kingdom (UK) have their own, very different nickname for the fast-food giant. And let’s say, it’s not going well with the locals.
The controversy kicked off on a social media forum, where a bewildered Australian shared their dismay: ‘So I have this friend—Australian born, who recently started calling Macca’s “Maccies” and it’s driving me insane. I thought Macca’s was the universally agreed-upon name we have down here.’
The reaction was swift and, in true Australian fashion, hilariously dramatic.
‘Ex-friend hopefully,’ one user quipped.
‘This is unacceptable behaviour.’
Another chimed in, ‘Tell them I hate them.’ The consensus? ‘Maccies’ just doesn’t cut the mustard.
But where did this rogue nickname come from? It turns out that ‘Maccies’ is the British equivalent of our ‘Macca’s’.
Brits also have a penchant for ‘ie’ endings, but in this case, Australians are scratching their heads.
‘I’ve only heard Poms call it that,’ one commenter explained. ‘We also call it Maccie D’s, so I guess it gets shortened to Maccies.’
To investigate, a journalist on the case contacted a British colleague, who confirmed, ‘Yes, we call it Maccies.’ The case is closed.
But why the outrage? For many Australians, ‘Macca’s’ isn’t just a nickname—it’s a cultural touchstone.
It fits seamlessly with our laid-back, no-fuss way of speaking. ‘Macca’s’ rolls off the tongue, like ‘bottle-o’ or ‘rego.’ It’s casual, cool, and uniquely Australian.
‘Maccies’, on the other hand, feels foreign—almost childish.
‘Oh, you’re going to Maccies? What are you, 12? Grow up,’ one user joked.
Have we changed what we call Maccas?
by u/multkillerpie in australia
While common in both countries, the’ ie’ ending doesn’t have the same ring here. It’s a subtle reminder that our slang is our own while we share a language with the Brits.
Of course, language is constantly evolving, and with the world more connected than ever, it’s no surprise that British slang is making its way Down Under.
But for now, the jury is out: ‘Macca’s’ reigns supreme, and ‘Maccies’ is best left on the other side of the world.
Did you know Australia is the only country where McDonald’s officially uses a local brand nickname? In 2013, select stores swapped out their signs to read ‘Macca’s’ in celebration of Australia Day, cementing the term’s place in our national identity.
Meanwhile, in the UK, ‘Maccies’ is just one of many quirky Britishisms. They also have ‘Maccie D’s’, ‘Maccy D’s’, and ‘The Golden Arches’. But none have quite the same cultural cachet as ‘Macca’s’ does here.
Slang is more than just words—it’s a badge of belonging. It signals where you’re from, who you are, and how you see the world.
For Australians, ‘Macca’s’ is a little slice of home, a reminder of late-night runs with mates and road trips across the outback. It’s part of our national story.
Have you ever heard someone call it ‘Maccies’ in Australia? Does it make your skin crawl, or are you open to some British influence in our lingo? And what’s your favourite Australian slang term? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Macca’s shakes up its coffee game—could this be the ‘best one yet’?
