10 Australian Slang Terms for Alcohol You Might Not Know (But Definitely Should)

The Australians are big drinkers, and naturally, that leads to a good deal of slang terms arising to describe it all.

There are a great many general slang terms for alcohol as a whole, from the weakest beer to the strongest spirits.

There are also many more specific slang terms for certain kinds of alcohol. In other words, whatever it is that you need to put a name to, Australian slang will have something you can use.

Today, we’re going to break down some of these terms, see what they mean, where to use them and where they come from.

Let’s get started.

Australian Slang For Alcohol

Booze

“Booze” is one of the most well-known slang terms for alcohol in Australia, commonly used across all regions.

While it might sometimes imply stronger drinks, it generally refers to alcohol of any kind.

The term dates back to at least the 1570s, originating from the Middle English word “bous” (meaning intoxicating drink), which itself comes from the Middle Dutch “buse” (a drinking vessel).

It was likely introduced to Australia by British sailors in the early days of European settlement.

Bundy

“Bundy” is a well-known Australian slang term for rum, specifically referring to Bundaberg Rum, a popular Queensland-made spirit.

While traditionally associated with rum, some Australians also use it to describe other dark spirits like whiskey or brandy.

The term originates from the Bundaberg Rum brand, which was founded in 1885 in Bundaberg East, Queensland.

Over time, the name became a generic slang term, much like other brands that evolve into everyday vocabulary.

By the 1950s, “Bundy” was already in widespread use across Australia.

Frothies

One of the most common Australian slang terms for beer is “frothies.”

The name comes from the frothy head that forms on beer when poured into a glass, but it can refer to any kind of beer, whether it’s a high-quality craft ale or a cheap can from the bottle-o.

Even if someone doesn’t use the term themselves, they’ll almost certainly understand what it means.

“Frothies” is widely used in casual conversations, particularly among groups of mates getting together for a drink.

Goon

“Goon” is a well-known Australian slang term for alcohol, typically referring to inexpensive boxed wine.

It’s widely associated with young people, students, and budget-conscious drinkers who embrace the affordability and practicality of cask wine.

The term “goon” appears to have originated from the Aboriginal word “goom,” which meant “cheap alcohol.”

By the 1960s, the term had evolved into “goon” and became closely linked with cask wine.

Interestingly, “goom” originally meant “water” in some Aboriginal languages, but the meaning shifted over time.

Goon has become part of Australian drinking culture, even inspiring the infamous “goon sack” drinking game, where players spin a bag of cask wine hanging from a clothesline and drink when it stops in front of them.

Grog

One of the most common slang terms for alcohol in Australia is “grog.”

It’s a broad, catch-all term that can refer to any type of alcoholic beverage, though it is more commonly associated with strong spirits.

You’ll hear this word used all over Australia, from pubs to bottle shops to backyard barbies.

The term itself is very old, dating back to at least 1749, when it originally referred to diluted sailor’s rum.

The story goes that British Admiral Edward Vernon, nicknamed “Old Grog” because of his grogram cloak, ordered his sailors’ rum to be watered down, giving rise to the term “grog.”

Given that this was around the time Australia was colonized, it’s no surprise the word became firmly embedded in Australian slang.

Plonk

“Plonk” is another widely used Australian slang term for wine, particularly the budget-friendly kind.

While it typically refers to lower-end wines, it doesn’t necessarily mean homebrewed wine—it’s more about affordability than craftsmanship.

The term is believed to have originated from the French word blanc, meaning “white” (as in white wine).

British and Australian soldiers in World War I likely picked up the word while stationed in France, and over time, it evolved phonetically into “plonk.”

Today, “plonk” is commonly used across Australia, and while it often refers to boxed wine, it can also describe cheap bottled varieties.

Stubby

“Stubby” is a beloved Australian term for a small beer bottle, usually containing 375ml of beer, though it can be used more generally for any bottle of beer of similar size.

The term is so ingrained in Australian culture that it’s used universally across the country.

The name “stubby” is believed to have originated from the shape of the bottle—short and stout, resembling the term “stubby” itself.

It became popular in the mid-20th century when beer packaging moved from glass to more portable, single-serving sizes, and Australians embraced it as a part of their drinking culture.

Today, you’ll hear Aussies refer to a “stubby” when they crack open a cold one, and it’s a term used in all corners of the country.

Tinnie

“Tinnie” is a widely used Australian term for a can of beer, particularly those that come in aluminum cans.

The term is closely associated with the casual Aussie lifestyle, where a “tinnie” is often cracked open during BBQs, beach outings, or after a long day’s work.

The origin of “tinnie” comes from the material of the container—aluminum, or “tin,” which was used for beer cans in the 20th century.

Over time, the term stuck and became part of everyday vernacular in Australia.

The phrase is also associated with the ease and convenience of drinking beer from a can, making it perfect for casual settings.

Today, “tinnie” is used by Aussies of all ages, and whether you’re enjoying a cold one at a party or on a fishing trip, you’ll likely be reaching for a tinnie!

Turps

“Turps” is a term that was once very common in Australia to refer to alcohol, particularly stronger drinks such as spirits.

These days, it’s mostly used by older generations, with younger people less likely to adopt it.

However, it’s still in use today, especially to describe anything with a high alcohol content.

The origin of “turps” comes from “turpentine,” a solvent used in construction and engineering.

Turpentine has a high ethanol content, and because ethanol is alcohol, it became a fitting comparison for strong alcoholic beverages.

In fact, the practice of home brewing strong spirits in rural Australia may have helped popularize the term.

Though “turps” isn’t as commonly used in everyday speech today, it still remains a colorful part of the Australian slang landscape.