Australian Slang For Excited (9 Examples!)

Australians have a certain reputation for having, if nothing else, a kind of great excitable energy and an extreme enthusiasm about many things.

Unsurprisingly, this has led to a great many aspects of the language and slang being turned to describing that excitement in different ways.

Today, we’re going to look at some of the most common Australian slang terms for excited, for the most universal and ubiquitous to some of the more obscure and unknown terms.

Let’s get started.

In This Article

Stoked

Starting off with what is undoubtedly the most common Australian slang term for excited, we have “stoked”.

This is, of course, used in some other English-speaking countries today, but it is perhaps most prevalent in Australia.

It’s used throughout the country by multiple generations of speakers.

“Tonight’s going to be such a good night, I’m stoked,” for instance.

Its meaning stretches back into the 19^th Century, when it is attested in 1837 as meaning “to stir up” or rouse feelings in someone.

In its modern meaning, it seems to have been originally surfing slang, recorded by 1963—this explains its prevalence in Australia!

Giddy

Next we have giddy, another slang term used in Australia to describe someone who is very excited.

It can have a couple of meanings as some might use it more in the sense of someone who cannot stop laughing.

But they are both sides of the same coin.

To be giddy is to be very excited. “I can’t wait for tomorrow, I’m so giddy,” for example.

This is a very old one, originating in the Old English word gidig, which meant mad or stupid.

By as early as the 1540s it had taken on its modern meaning of elated, which eventually spread to Australia.

Hyped

Hyped is another common slang term in Australia used to describe being excited.

It’s another one that’s quite common throughout the English speaking world, though it is definitely very commonly used in Australia.

“Oh is the game starting? I’m hyped!” for example. It’s more of a young person term, really.

The term originally referred to misleading advertising which sought to “hype” a product beyond its actual usefulness—it spread to Australia in the middle of the 20^th Century.

Chuffed

Chuffed is up next, which is also widely used in Britain.

To be chuffed means to be pleased with something, or even mildly excited.

Australians are very fond of this slang term for expressing a kind of general excitement that isn’t too intense.

“John’s coming over tonight, I’m chuffed,” for example.

This one originated in Britain in the 19^th Century, meaning simply pleased and happy.

Strewth

Next we have strewth, which you may never have heard before.

This one is definitely very uniquely Australian, though in more archaic language you may hear it elsewhere in the English speaking world.

Strewth is kind of an exclamation, a way of expressing excitement.

“The game starts in five minutes. Strewth! I can’t wait!” for example.

This is another one from the 19^th Century, where strewth was a way of saying “god’s truth”.

It’s an exclamation of surprise and excitement.

Pumped

Next we have pumped, again very common and popular in Australia.

Particularly among the middle-aged to youth demographics, pumped is very widely used.

To be pumped is to be very excited for something, you’re looking forward to it eagerly.

We aren’t completely sure where this one comes from in terms of its Australian use.

It may have been a nautical term, relating to pumping water off the ship but also vomiting.

Geeked

Geeked is another great way to express your excitement in Australian slang.

To be geeked is to be really looking forward to something, to be in a state of excitement and agitation about it.

It’s broadly used across most of Australia, and the meaning is generally one of less intense excitement—although still somewhat intense!

“I’m geeked for the show tonight,” for example.

Again, we aren’t completely sure of the origin of this one.

It may be from the sense of “geeking out”, from the 80s and 90s, meaning excited over particular subcultures.

Psyched

Psyched is another one that you’ve probably heard in other English-speaking countries, too.

It means you’re really looking forward to something, very excited about it, and you can’t wait.

It’s very common in Australia and used across the country, primarily by younger generations.

“I’m psyched for the party tonight,” for example.

This one has its origins in the advancing field of psychology in the early 20^th Century.

It seems to have spread to Australia by the late 20^th Century.

Fired up

Finally, we have “fired up”, which might have a slightly different meaning depending on where you are.

To be fired up in some countries might more have the sense of being angry and short tempered.

In Australia, though, being “fired up” means to be very excited about something that’s coming up.

This expression dates to the early 19^th Century, and originally referred to starting literal fires in boilers or furnaces.

So, the Australians are definitely not short on terms to describe different kinds of excitement.

Everything from the most mild and non-committal kind of excitement to the most ecstatic and exhilarating anticipation of something.

Without doubt, “stoked” is the most common term in Australia for excited—if you need one, then this one will do you just fine.

But there are plenty of others available, too.

More in Australian Slang

Founder - @PollyWebster

Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.

Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.

Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.

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