Are you one of the many parents captivated by the charm of Bluey, the Australian animated series? While its heartwarming stories and relatable characters resonate universally, some of the Aussie slang might leave you scratching your head. This parents guide is here to untangle the unique language of Bluey, helping you and your children fully appreciate the show’s cultural nuances, even if you’re a million miles away.
As an expat, watching Bluey is a delightful dive into the Aussie culture I grew up with. I want to share the terms and sayings that might need a little explanation for international audiences. With the arrival of new Bluey episodes, now’s the perfect time to brush up on your Aussie vocabulary. Let’s dive in!
Decoding Bluey: An Aussie Slang Glossary
Bilby
A bilby is a native Australian marsupial. It resembles a rabbit-bandicoot hybrid. In the episode “Bob Bilby,” Bingo brings a colorful bilby puppet home from Kindy. Interestingly, the bilby was once promoted as the “Easter Bilby” to raise awareness for the endangered animal, offering an alternative to the Easter Bunny.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():gifv(false)/bluey-bob-bilby-bingo-puppet-1a33e26ef0ca4aa3b2c689c7b9d32e89.jpg “Bingo proudly displays her bilby puppet, a symbol of Australian wildlife conservation, in a scene from Bluey.”)
Bin Chicken
This unflattering but humorous nickname refers to the Australian white ibis, a bird known for scavenging food around bins (Australian for trash cans). Bluey and Bingo playfully chase a bin chicken in “Piggyback,” and Bandit’s puppet, Shaun, scares one in “Shaun.” Despite their sometimes-pest reputation, bin chickens have gained a quirky popularity, even being considered as a mascot for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Biscuits
Bandit’s favorite exclamation, “Biscuits!” is a family-friendly substitute for stronger language. While in America a biscuit is a savory baked good, in Australia, a “biscuit” generally refers to what Americans call a cookie, but the term can also apply to crackers or even dog treats. Its versatility makes “biscuits” a common part of Aussie conversations.
Bum Shuffler
A “bum shuffler” describes a baby who scoots around on their bottom instead of crawling. In “Baby Race,” this term is used to describe a baby’s unique way of moving. This is a normal alternative to crawling, and like Bluey, every child develops at their own pace.
Bush Wee
A “bush wee” is when someone relieves themselves outdoors, typically in a discreet location. In “Takeaway,” Bingo demonstrates the need for a bush wee when no restroom is available. While not always ideal, it can be a practical solution in certain situations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():gifv(false)/bluey-bingo-bush-wee-takeaway-f3207b88203b492a8d8875059255e0d5.jpg “Bingo’s urgent ‘bush wee’ moment captures a relatable parenting challenge during an outing, highlighting the humor in unexpected situations.”)
Dobbing
“Dobbing” means tattling, generally frowned upon in Australian culture. The episode “Swim School” explores dobbing when the Heelers try to gain favor with their teacher by reporting on each other. Bingo ultimately decides she doesn’t like dobbing on her family, teaching children about tact and loyalty. While tattling is usually discouraged, reporting serious wrongdoing is, of course, appropriate.
Duck Cake
The “Duck Cake” episode references the iconic Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book, popular in Australia during the 1980s and 1990s. The duck cake was notoriously difficult to make. Bandit’s attempt to create the duck cake in the episode brings back nostalgic memories for many Australian parents who grew up with the same cake book.
Dunny
“Dunny” is a casual term for a toilet, though considered less refined. In “Dunny,” Chili discourages the kids from using the word, sparking a debate about its appropriateness. This reflects a common parental concern about using “nice words” to present a good family image.
Fairy Bread
Fairy bread is a staple at Australian children’s birthday parties. It consists of white bread, buttered generously, and covered in “hundreds and thousands” sprinkles. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice for parents. You can spot fairy bread at parties in the Bluey episodes “Handstand” and “Pass the Parcel.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():gifv(false)/bluey-fairy-bread-handstand-87522af3693f47c1993f7f9109a7a033.jpg “A plate of fairy bread, a colorful and simple delight, represents a treasured tradition at Australian children’s parties, bringing back fond memories for adults.”)
Grey Nomads
“Grey nomads” refers to retired Australians who travel extensively, usually in caravans or motorhomes. They’re known for driving at a leisurely pace, which can be frustrating for other drivers, as seen in the episode “Road Trip” where Bandit tries to avoid getting stuck behind them.
Sausage Sizzle
The sausage sizzle is an Australian cultural icon. It’s a simple meal: a grilled sausage served on a slice of bread with tomato sauce (ketchup) and grilled onions. Sausage sizzles are common at barbecues and outside Bunnings, a national hardware chain, often as a charity fundraiser. Bluey and Bingo enjoy a sausage sizzle at Hammerbarn, Bluey’s version of Bunnings, in the episode “Hammerbarn.”
More Than Just Slang: The Heart of Bluey
While understanding the Aussie slang adds another layer to enjoying Bluey, the show’s true appeal lies in its universal themes of family, play, and the joys of everyday life. Bluey reminds us to be present, playful, and not to take ourselves too seriously as parents. But yes, hopefully, now you also know what a bin chicken and a bush wee are!
