Say What?! Aussie slang explained (Part 2)

written by Kellie Bright July 2, 2015

In this series, we’ll take a look at the stories behind some of our favourite bits of Aussie slang. How did it come about? Why do we still use it? What does it mean? Can I say it in public without offending anyone? It’s a fascinating insight into Aussie culture, and sure to come in handy when you’re sitting around the campfire spinning yarns (yes, we’ll cover that one too).

The term:
Hard yakka

Translate it for me:
Hard work

Use it in a sentence:
“Shearing that sheep was hard yakka, mate”.

Image c/o Stephen Mitchell, Flickr

The story behind it:
Aussies love a bit of hard yakka. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll definitely complain about it at the time. But once all that hard yakka’s out of the way it means we can kick back and crack a tinny to celebrate.

To engage in a bit of hard yakka means to work super hard. In fact, one of our most popular workwear brands is literally named Hard Yakka. Tough, durable and built to last. Much like us Aussies.

It’s been suggested that the word has been adapted from “yaga” which means “work” in the Yagara indigenous language of the Brisbane region. It was first recorded in 1847, and we haven’t stopped using it since.

Feature image c/o Rolfe Kolbe, Flickr

Kellie Bright

I'm no stranger to telling a joke around the campfire, just don't expect me to remember the punchline. I prefer sunsets to sunrises (more likely to involve wine), I'd rather a tent than a caravan and I fold my clothes instead of rolling. I've backpacked, camped, glamped, safaried (that's a word, right?), lived it up in 5-star luxury and even slept in one of those tiny little airport pods. And I don't believe in the saying, "There's no place like home" because… well, I don't have a swim-up bar in my backyard. Do you?