The Times Australia
The Times Magazine

.

Fair Dinkum! Aussie slang takes a decade to learn

- New research shows just how foreign Aussie culture is to migrants

- Takes 10 years for the average expat to have a confident grasp on Aussie slang

- Queensland expats pick up slang faster than in other states

- More female expats will try Vegemite vs. males

Over 1,000 immigrants shared their unique experiences of assimilating to Australia, with interesting data revealed in new research commissioned via Ria Money Transfer.

Responses from expats included their take on culture shock and local customs, as well as their willingness to try Aussie snacks. 

With more than a quarter of Australia’s population born overseas, the findings of the research reflect the powerful cultural exchange occurring within Australia, and give insight to the enrichment the international-born population provides to Australia’s own cultural landscape, with their connections to home. 

Part of this exchange is through the sharing of resources and remittances, with a third of immigrants sending money overseas an average of 14 times a year. 

Expats who have settled down under in more recent years cite cost-of-living to be a greater culture shock than the language, suggesting both an increase in globalism and the serious economic change our country is facing. 



Other interesting findings, broken down by state, nationality, generation, and gender, include:

- Over 90% of expats who have lived in Australia for over 10 years know an average of 5-6 slang terms
- In their first year of living in Australia, 88% of expats will experience a local custom, like trying a Tim Tam or attending an AFL match.
- 14% of Gen Z immigrants send more than half of their wages to family overseas, despite cost-of-living pressures
- More female expats (73%) will try Vegemite compared to male expats (66%)
- Settlers in Queensland pick up Australian slang more effectively than in other states
- Expats from Africa pick up slang quicker than those from Asian and South American countries (fair dinkum, woop woop, goon, devo, durry, dunny, etc.)
- Two-thirds of expats say cost of living concerns have impacted their ability to send money home
- Almost half of remittances are to support family with living expenses, followed closely by remittances serving as gifts

Simon Wilding, Country Manager Australia and New Zealand of Ria Money Transfer, said the survey exposes the voices of the nation, even if they weren’t born here. 

“While it was a surprise to see from these results that our unique Australianisms cause massive culture shock, unfortunately it’s not a surprise to hear that the cost-of-living crisis we’re all facing in this country is confronting to migrants. 

“Our expats and immigrants help bring dimension, life, and strength to our multicultural population. As the leading global money transfer operator, we are so pleased to serve communities from all around Australia so their home away from home can be one that not only serves them, but their families back in their country of origin.

“Australia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, which makes remittances and money transfers a staple tool for Aussies to support extended families across the world financially.”

Clarissa Tan said sending money to friends and family forms a crucial part of keeping their connection alive.

“I love living in Australia, where my personal and professional life has flourished. 

“I miss home but being able to send a bit of money here and there to support and treat my loved ones helps fill the void, not because we’re money-focused people, but because it’s straightforward and effective. It cuts out the concerns of postage and exchange rates - leaving me able to both say to and show my family that I love them.”

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...