The Times Australia
The Times Australia
.

Alexa becomes even more fluent in iconic Aussie lingo


Alexa adds new local slang to her lingo with terms like “Dog’s Eye” and “Rissole”, plus new terms like “Bachelor’s Handbag,” and “Foot Falcon,” as she continues to become more Aussie! 

Alexa continues to learn and lap up Australian culture, with Amazon today announcing the addition of new ‘Strayan slang to her vocabulary. 

From well-worn phrases like “Dog’s Eye” to emerging social-media slang like “Bachelor’s Handbag”, Alexa’s latest lessons are part of her ongoing Aussie education and make it even easier for her to understand her mates in Australia.

“If you’re new to Australia and are asked if you’d like a Dog’s Eye for lunch, or if you should foot falcon it to the rissole, our local slang can sometimes make you feel like you need a translator,” said Kate Gooden, Head of Product and Alexa Experience at Amazon Australia. “As we continue to teach Alexa how to put on a banger (a great tune, not a sausage) or to let you know if it’ll be bucketing down this arvo, we’ve been committed to not only adding the Aussie classics, but also some new terms emerging in Aussie conversations so it’s easy for Alexa to understand you. Just like a mate!”

Alexa, tell me something Aussie

Inspired by The Betoota Advocate’s Betoota-isms, today Alexa has launched a series of new modern classics to her vernacular, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of Aussie slang.

Aussie classics like Dog’s Eye and Rissole have been added as well as more contemporary phrases like the Bachelor's Handbag and Private School Pluggers, meaning you can use these new phrases with Alexa to celebrate Aussie culture and the one-of-a-kind way Aussies communicate with each other.

“Australians are renowned for their habit of abbreviating and evolving words for conversation – terms like “arvo” and “servo” sent social media wild in recent years as the world discovered Aussie words and their translations,” said Dr. Amanda Laugesen, language expert and Director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre. “We also have a unique ability to turn everyday items into linguistic icons. From terms that reference our beloved hot chooks at Woollies (Bachelor’s Handbag), to classic summer footwear (Private School Pluggers), Alexa’s latest lingo additions really capture the fun of everyday Aussie banter.”

But Alexa….what’s a Bachelor’s Handbag?

As part of her continued “Aussie-fication”, Alexa’s discovery of The Betoota Advocate’s Betoota-isms has helped to unlock the best of modern Aussie slang, revealing the unique terms Aussies have invented in social conversation, to reference food, cultural events, and even celebrity icons.

The new phases are now live on Alexa-enabled devices like Echo smart speakers, Echo Show smart screens, and Fire TV devices. From today Aussies can test how much they understand Aussie slang by asking their Alexa device or the Alexa app the following questions:

Alexa, what is a Bachelor's Handbag”
“Alexa, what is a Rissole?”
“Alexa, what is a Dog's Eye?”
“Alexa, what is a Private School Plugger?”
“Alexa, what is a Foot Falcon?”
“Alexa, what is a Tuesday Frisbee?”
“Alexa, who is the Baroness of Broadbeach?”

Errol Parker, Editor-at-large for the Betoota Advocate said, “I’ve seen my fair share of wishy-washy wannabee slang come and go, but I can honestly say that these new additions are as bonza as the Baroness of Broadbeach herself.”

This fresh terminology further cements Alexa’s fair dinkum credentials, as Alexa continues to build her extensive understanding of local language and Aussie slang.

“Today’s new vocab updates are just a glimpse into the work we do every day to make Alexa feel more like a mate – from knowing who won the grand final, to having the perfect recipe for the weekend BBQ or a Hottest 100 playlist for an afternoon with friends,” said Kate Gooden, Head of Alexa Product and Experience. “We're constantly looking for ways to continue Alexa's cultural education to make the experience more natural, familiar and even a bit cheeky! This way Alexa feels more like a family member or friend".

To get started, ensure your Alexa-enabled or Echo device is switched on and ready, or download the Alexa app and say, “Alexa, tell me something Aussie”.

For more information on Amazon Alexa and Devices, visit amazon.com.au/meetalexa.

Tesla’s self-driving mode is coming to Australia amid controversy – but it won’t create true driverless cars

Tesla is expected to soon turn on its “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)[1]” (FSD) mode in Australia and New Ze...

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board recently proposed a US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) compensation plan, if Musk ca...

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...