If you’ve ever cracked open a goon bag at a backyard barbie, cheered ‘Carn the footy!’ from the stands, or found yourself spewing over a dodgy umpire call, congratulations: you’re not just speaking Strayan, you’re now officially speaking Oxford English.
That’s right—eleven beloved Australian words and phrases have just been welcomed into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) hallowed pages, and we couldn’t be prouder.
The OED’s latest update celebrates the unique, colourful, and sometimes cheeky way we Australians use English.
Unsurprisingly, many new entries revolve around two of our national pastimes: having a drink and watching (or playing) sport. Let’s look at the latest additions and what they say about our nation.
1. Goon & Goon of Fortune
If you’ve ever been a uni student, you’ll know ‘goon’ isn’t just a cheap drop—it’s a rite of passage.
The OED now defines a ‘goon’ as a plastic, foil-lined pouch selling inexpensive wine.
And for those who’ve spun a Hills Hoist with a goon bag pegged to it, ‘goon of fortune’ is now immortalised as the classic drinking game it is. Oxford dons might need a few spins to catch up, but we reckon they’ll get there.
2. Cask
The humble ‘cask’ is the cardboard box that houses the goon bag. It’s the unsung hero of many a picnic and party, and now it’s got the Oxford tick of approval.
3. Slab
A ‘slab’ isn’t just a building material—it’s a 24-pack of beer, the backbone of any decent get-together.
The OED officially recognises it as ‘a retail pack of beer, typically containing 24 cans or bottles’. Cheers to that!
4. Spew
We all know someone spewing—and it’s not always about last night’s dodgy kebab. In true Australian fashion, ‘spew’ has evolved to mean being bitterly disappointed or annoyed.
So next time you’re ‘absolutely spewing’ about the footy score or the price of lettuce, know you’re using language fit for Oxford.
5. Carn
‘Carn the Crows!’—if you’ve ever barracked for a team, you’ve shouted this one.
‘Carn’ is our way of saying ‘come on!’ with a bit more gusto, and now it’s officially in the dictionary.
6. Best and fairest
A staple of the Australian Football League and rugby league, the ‘best and fairest’ is the player who combines top-notch performance with good sportsmanship.
It’s a uniquely Australian accolade, and now it’s got global recognition.
7. Don’t argue
If you’ve watched a footy player fend off a tackler with a stiff arm, you’ve seen the ‘don’t argue’ in action.
The OED describes it as ‘a push or blow to the face delivered to fend off a potential tackler, using the arm held straight from the body’. It’s as Australian as meat pies and magpies.
8. Balanda
This one’s a bit different—and deeply significant. ‘Balanda’ is a Yolngu word from northeast Arnhem Land, borrowed from the Makassarese language of Indonesia, meaning a white person or people.
Its inclusion is a nod to the rich tapestry of Aboriginal English and the history of cross-cultural contact in Australia.
9. Custodian
While ‘custodian’ has long meant a caretaker, in Australia it now refers to an Aboriginal person recognised as having ancestral rights and responsibilities for a particular land area and community.
This reflects the deep connection between First Nations peoples and Country.
10. Gunzel
Trainspotters, rejoice! ‘Gunzel’ is Australian slang for someone who loves trams or trains.
Whether you’re snapping pics of the train or riding the City Circle for fun, you’re now officially a ‘gunzel’ in the eyes of Oxford.
11. Regional
Last, ‘regional’ is now defined as ‘away from major cities’. It’s a simple word, but for many Australians, it’s a way of life that’s finally been recognised in the world’s most famous dictionary.
Language constantly evolves, and Australian English is a living, breathing example. These new entries aren’t just words—they’re snapshots of our culture, humour, and history.
They show how we’ve made English our own, blending influences from Indigenous languages, British roots, and our irreverent spirit. They also remind us that our slang isn’t just for laughs—it’s a vital part of our national identity.
Which Australian words should be added to the Oxford English Dictionary next? Have you ever confused a Pom or a Yank with your slang? And which of these new entries do you use the most? Share your stories in the comments below.
Also read: You might be annoying your waiter—the 4-word phrase they secretly hate
The term first nations is Canadian. I don’t know why this article on words is using it.
Most indigenous people I know want to be know as aboriginal, not as a Canadian indigenous person.