Australian English dictionary

Browse A–Z

• chunder

  verb

  To vomit (informal).

  He chundered after the boat ride.

• citizenship ceremony

  noun

  The event where new citizens make a pledge to become Australian citizens.

  Our family attended her citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

• citizenship test

  noun

  A computer test about Australia and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.

  Study the official book before the citizenship test.

• clearway

  noun

  A road where stopping or parking is not allowed during certain hours.

  Cars parked in the clearway were towed away.

• cobber

  noundated

  An old-fashioned word for a friend or mate.

  Grandpa still calls his old friends cobber.

• cockatoo

  noun

  A parrot in the cockatoo family, common in many Australian regions.

  A cockatoo screeched from the tree.

• cockie

  noun

  An informal word for a cockatoo, a cockroach, or a small farmer, depending on context.

  The cockies were screeching in the gum trees.

• Commonwealth supported place

  noun

  A university place where the government pays part of the fees.

  Domestic students usually get a Commonwealth supported place.

• community health centre

  noun

  A local centre offering health services such as nursing, counselling and allied health.

  The community health centre runs free clinics.

• compassionate leave

  noun

  Paid leave when a close family member dies or has a life-threatening illness.

  She took compassionate leave after her grandmother died.

• comprehensive insurance

  noun

  Car insurance that covers damage to your own car and other people's property.

  Comprehensive insurance costs more but covers your own car.

• compulsory voting

  noun

  The rule that eligible citizens must vote in elections; in Australia, missing a vote can lead to a fine.

  Australia has compulsory voting for federal elections.

• concession card

  noun

  A card that may entitle an eligible holder to certain reduced charges.

  He asked whether his concession card was accepted.

• condition report

  noun

  A record describing the state of a rental property at a particular time.

  Check the condition report before signing it.

• connection fee

  noun

  A one-off fee for setting up electricity, gas or internet at a new address.

  The internet provider charged a connection fee.

• consumer guarantee

  noun

  Rights under Australian Consumer Law that products and services must meet, such as being safe and fit for purpose.

  A faulty fridge is covered by the consumer guarantee.

• conveyancer

  noun

  A professional who handles legal and administrative aspects of a property transfer.

  The conveyancer checked the contract terms.

• cooling-off period

  noun

  A limited period in which some contracts may be cancelled, subject to conditions and local law.

  Check whether a cooling-off period applies.

• council

  noun

  Local government authority.

  Contact the council about rubbish collection.

• council permit

  noun

  Official permission from the local council, for example to park, build or hold an event.

  You may need a council permit to put a skip bin on the street.

• council rates

  noun

  Charges collected by a local council to fund local services.

  The owner received the annual council rates notice.

• counter meal

  noun

  A meal bought and served at a pub, often ordered at the bar.

  They stopped for a counter meal on the road trip.

• Country

  noun

  In First Nations contexts, land, waters, living beings and relationships carrying cultural significance.

  The guide spoke about caring for Country.

• cover letter

  noun

  A short letter sent with a job application explaining why you suit the role.

  Tailor your cover letter to each job.

• credit score

  noun

  A number showing how reliable you are at repaying debts, used by lenders.

  Paying bills on time can improve your credit score.