food

snag
A snag is the humble hero of every Aussie barbie—just a sausage, but treated like a national treasure. Doesn’t matter if it’s fancy or cheap, burnt or barely cooked, a snag on bread with sauce is peak Aussie cuisine. It’s the first thing to run out at any barbecue and the last thing anyone admits to burning. If someone forgets the snags, that’s a crime against humanity. He forgot the snags again—the galah.

maccas
Maccas is the Aussie nickname for McDonald’s, because even global megabrands need a lazy abbreviation here. It’s the go-to spot after a big night, before a big day, or during a big craving. Aussies hit Maccas for fries, frozen Coke, shame nuggets, and the emotional support of a 24/7 drive-thru. You haven't lived the Aussie experience until you’ve done a late-night Maccas run with mates yelling about missing their order. It’s chaotic, comforting fast food culture at its finest. Let’s swing by Maccas after the footy.

choccy bikky
A “choccy bikky” is the adorable Aussie way of describing a chocolate biscuit, usually eaten with a cuppa and zero shame. Aussies shorten anything they can, but choccy bikky takes the cake—literally. It conjures the image of kicking your feet up, having a lazy arvo break, and enjoying something sweet before someone steals it. It’s wholesome, nostalgic, and slightly chaotic, like everything else in Aussie culture. Whether you’re dunking it, hoarding it, or inhaling three before admitting it, a choccy bikky is pure comfort. I’m keen for a cuppa and a choccy bikky this arvo.

barbie
“Barbie” is the soul of Aussie social life: a barbecue so laid-back it might as well be horizontal. Forget the tourist myth—Aussies don’t say “shrimp on the barbie.” They’re chucking snags, steaks, and maybe some mystery marinated thing their mate brought. A barbie is less about cooking skills and more about hanging out, arguing about footy, and pretending you didn’t burn the onions. It’s the unofficial community-building event of the country, from beaches to backyards. If someone invites you to a barbie, you show up with drinks, sunscreen, and no expectations of punctuality whatsoever. Swing by the barbie this arvo—bring snags and good vibes.

bussin'
Though it sounds like something a bus might do, “bussin’” refers to food—or experiences—so good they bypass the rational brain and go straight to the reward center. The term is most strongly associated with African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and exploded on TikTok in the early 2020s, often accompanied by overly dramatic reactions and food reviews filmed under questionable lighting. To call something “bussin’” is to say it’s exceptional, indulgent, and probably unhealthy in all the best ways. Think: the culinary equivalent of a standing ovation. “This ramen is bussin’—I might cry.”

bussin'
Used when food hits so hard it temporarily deletes your problems. If something’s bussin’, it’s not just good—it’s “I-forgot-I-owe-rent” good. Mostly thrown around when someone takes a bite and their brain does that Windows-XP startup sound. Also works for anything that slaps way harder than expected. “Bro, this mac and cheese? Bussin’ for real.”