Unraveling the Lingo: 9 Aussies Slang Words from Netflix's Heartbreak High Explained!

Summary

"Eshay": Australian youth subculture associated with streetwear brands and crude language. Don't judge a book by its cover, even if they appear eshay.

"Real Dog": Inappropriate or disrespectful. Harper's actions of embarrassing Dusty were truly reprehensible. It's never okay to date your friend's ex, that's just plain disrespectful.

"Have a Yarn": To engage in conversation or share a story. Malakai betrayed Amerie by cheating on her with Harper, and then attempted to have a conversation to explain himself, but it was too late. What a despicable thing to do.

Netflix's popular Australian drama Heartbreak High has introduced audiences worldwide to a plethora of unique and fascinating Australian slang terms. These phrases can easily be incorporated into everyday speech, allowing individuals to effortlessly expand their lexicon. Australian Gen Z slang particularly stands out for its captivating and engaging nature. Learning new words such as "eshay" and "arced up" can add an exciting twist to our daily conversations. Heartbreak High has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of today's teenagers. Although the fashion and language may have changed over the years, the challenges faced by young people remain timeless. Season 1 of the show delves into the tumultuous rift between lifelong friends Amerie and Harper, portrayed brilliantly by Ayesha Madon and Asher Yasbincek. Through their experiences, as well as those of their peers, viewers gain insight into the realms of love, family, and self-discovery. Despite its dramatic storyline, Heartbreak High presents itself as an enjoyable and easily digestible watch, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn new words along the way. Let's explore nine Australian slang terms from the show, their definitions, and how to accurately employ them in conversation.

9 "Eshay"

An Australian youth subculture, known as eshays, is associated with streetwear brands like Nike and Adidas, hip hop culture, and a unique language characterized by crude or vulgar expressions. Eshays are named after the Pig Latin word "sesh" or "session," which refers to hanging out and drinking with friends. They are often linked to disruptive and immature behavior. For example, someone might say, "Does this hat make me look like an essay?" In the TV show Heartbreak High, the character Ca$h, played by Will McDonald, portrays an eshay who engages in drug dealing and car theft after school. Despite his troublesome actions, Ca$h is actually a kind-hearted individual who is searching for his place in the world. His character teaches us the valuable lesson of not judging someone based on appearances, no matter how eshay they may seem.

8 "Real Dog"

Adjective: Something that is deemed unacceptable or a person who frequently engages in actions considered unacceptable within their social circle. Something or someone that is disordered or problematic. It is frequently utilized to convey disappointment or disapproval. For instance, Harper's act of embarrassing Dusty (Joshua Heuston) in front of the entire school at the basketball game was described as "a real dog move." However, one could argue that he deserved it. ex. "I can't believe you went on a date with Sasha's ex! That's real dog."

7 "Have a Yarn"

Verb: To engage in a conversation. It can also denote the act of sharing a narrative, often with an embellishment of facts. This phrase presumably originates from the expression "to spin a yarn," signifying the act of narrating a lengthy and fantastical tale. Following Malakai's betrayal of Amerie by pursuing a romantic entanglement with Harper, he repeatedly attempts to "have a yarn" with her, aiming to provide an explanation. Nonetheless, by that point, irreversible harm had already been inflicted. Such behavior truly exemplifies disloyalty. For instance, "Let's sit down and have a yarn. There's something I have to tell you."

6 "Dunny"

Noun: A toilet or bathroom, but very informal. The term "

5 "Staunch"

" has its origins during the mid-20th century when outdoor toilets were common in many homes, often located in separate, outdoor spaces. These toilets were sometimes referred to as "dunnies." Although indoor plumbing has mostly replaced outdoor toilets now, the slang term "

5 "Staunch"

" is still used by Australian youth as a quirky and nostalgic reminder of the past. When the students protest the firing of Ms. JoJo by barricading themselves in Woodsy's office, they must resort to using her potted plant as a "

5 "Staunch"

". ex. "Excuse me? Where can I find the dunnies?"

To staunchly intimidate or assert dominance over a weaker individual by assuming an intense pose and glare. Conversely, the term can also describe a person who is loyal, supportive, or deeply committed. For instance, if a friend stands by you during a challenging situation, you might acknowledge them as a staunch mate. However, Ca$h begins to question his loyal and intimidating behavior (eshay ways) after developing feelings for Darren (James Majoos). When confronted by his friends, Ca$h prepares for a possible altercation by adopting a staunch demeanor. Fortunately, nothing escalates, but if it had, staunching would have been advantageous. For example, Ca$h's friends could have confronted him with, "Are you staunching me, bro? Do you want to fight?"

4 "Arced up"

Verb: To become agitated, annoyed, or enraged. This phrase characterizes an individual's emotional reaction or trigger, highlighting their heightened state of irritation or anger. It is a vivid expression utilized to convey emotional intensity in everyday conversations. The etymology of this term possibly stems from the occasionally violent manner in which a spark, also referred to as an electrical arc, can leap between two electrodes. When Quinni (Chloe Hayden) experiences an unpleasant time at the book signing due to Sasha's (Gemma Chua-Tran) oblivious and inconsiderate behavior, she starts to get "arced up," much to Sasha's bewilderment. ex. "Hey, just calm down. There's no need to get arced up."

3 "Chippies"

Noun: Referring to chips, fries, or any fried potato snack, this content fragment highlights a linguistic characteristic commonly observed in Australian English. Diminutive formation, achieved by affixing a -y or -ie to words, adds a touch of affection or informality. Among the well-known Australian diminutives are "barbie" (for barbecue), "Chrissy" (for Christmas), and "Aussie" (for Australian). In the acclaimed Netflix series "Heartbreak High," the kids engage in passionate discussions about the dramatic events unfolding around them while munching on a bag of chippies. For example, one might say, "Mate, pass me those chippies."

2 "Kick-on"

Noun: A

1 "Rack off"

denotes a post-event social gathering or after-party that extends beyond the end of the main event. It can also function as a verb, implying the continuation of enjoyment and social interaction late into the night. For instance, individuals may propose, "Let's kick on at my place after the concert," or inquire, "Will there be any kick-ons tonight after the concert?" Although the precise origins remain uncertain, it is likely linked to the concept of "kicking it" or spending time with a group of people. In American English, a similar expression called "kick back" refers to a small gathering where people spend time together. After Malakai's rooftop antics disrupted Amerie's impromptu Resurrection party, many of the attendees sought a kick-on as an alternative social gathering. For example, they might say, "The cops are here. Kick on at my place. My parents are out of town."

Verb: An informal and somewhat impolite Australian slang term used to tell someone to go away or leave. The phrase's origins are not well-documented, but it has been part of Australian slang for several decades. In older Australian slang, a "rack" referred to a motorbike. When someone would get on their bike and ride off, it was called "racking off." Although a bit blunt, "to rack off" is a less rude way of expressing the same sentiment as another more common phrase. Throughout all seasons, Amerie has been attempting to comprehend what occurred between her and Harper, but every time she sought answers, Harper continuously told her to rack off. Example: "Hey, rack off, will you?"