A few days ago I asked you if some of the great old Aussie insults are dying.
Words such as: Drongo, Galah, Boofhead, Dill, Bogan, Dag, Duffer, Mug, Nong, Ratbag.
And then I invited your thoughts on whether Aussies are as good at colourful insults as ever.
Here are a few sample responses.
Anne says, ‘I remember all these from my time at school even in the eighties, but my younger relatives have not even heard of most of these. Instead using the ‘F’ word seems to be commonplace.’
Tony comments, ‘I use most but I’m 77. It’s a more socialised way of censoring people. Sadly the young default to vulgar, low brow language immediately.’
David says, ‘Some I still use myself, but none are uttered by my two teenagers.’
Tony looked at the list of words and said, ‘Congratulations, you’ve just described every member of the Labour government!’
Kathie’s observation is, ‘I've used all those words, but I must admit not very often nowadays. I'm a senior, 73. I doubt my 35-year-old daughter has used them.’
Graeme writes, ‘In my experience the only one in use today is bogan. My favourite is boofhead.’
Peter writes, ‘I still use all of these words. I grew up with these descriptive words in a country town (1950-60s) and they were commonly used then by my parents and my mates.’
Richard writes, ‘Lovely expression used in a Robert Ludlum novel The Road to Gandolfo: “You really frost my apricots”! P.S. I really enjoy your chats with Peta Credlin.’
David adds, ‘Most of the Aussie slang words on the list are not in my vocabulary anymore! To be honest, unless you are in the workforce, most of these words have been replaced by contemporary language, learned from watching Net Flicks or similar movie channels.’
Susie writes, ‘I do still hear bogan and use dag myself, on occasion, however I don’t see them as swearing.’
Clare writes, ‘Drongo, Yes, infrequently Galah, Yes, generally preceded by great Boofhead.’
Joe says, ‘Remember these growing up Kel. I’m 58. But haven’t heard or used most for quite a while. BOGAN, yes. More likely CLOWN in relation to Chris Bowen and something a bit more profane in relation to Albo.’
From John, ‘Hi Kel I still use Drongo, Ratbag, Boofhead and Dill. Further statistic—I am 79.’
Christine says she just loves them all.
From Barb, ‘I use silly duffer to explain any of my senior moments to my grandchildren!’
As I said the other day, not a statistically significant survey—but very interesting!
The latest episode of the podcast 'Words with Kel Richards' is now out (with the dateline June 11 2026). You can find it by scrolling further down this page -- or from wherever you usually get your podcasts.
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If you'd like to see my A-Z list of Aussie slang, you'll find it here in the Australian Geographic website -- A-Z list of Aussie slang. Here’s the link: The A-Z of Aussie slang - Australian Geographic
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