
Australian currency nicknames are a fun and quirky aspect of Aussie culture.
The Australian dollar is often referred to as the "Aussie dollar" or simply "Aussie".
You might hear locals use this term when referring to the currency or when discussing financial transactions.
The term "buck" is also commonly used to refer to the Australian dollar.
This nickname is thought to have originated from the US dollar, which is also sometimes referred to as a "buck".
In some parts of Australia, particularly in New South Wales, you might hear the Australian dollar referred to as a "quid".
This nickname is believed to have originated from the British pound, which was previously used in Australia before the adoption of the Australian dollar.
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Australian Currency Nicknames
In Australia, you'll find that the Hundred-dollar bill has some pretty unique nicknames, and they vary depending on your state and region.
Some of these nicknames are even inspired by politicians, like the Lazy Turnbull and the Fat Turnbull, which refer to Malcolm Turnbull, Australia's 29th Prime Minister.
It's clear that Australians have a playful way of giving nicknames to their currency, and it's not uncommon to hear people using these terms in everyday conversation.
Why Do We Have Australian Slang for Cash?
Australian slang for cash is a fascinating aspect of our culture. It's not uncommon for us to shorten words for objects and places, and cash is no exception.
We create nicknames for people, and it's only natural that we do the same for money. These nicknames are often based on the colour, symbols, or people on the bills themselves.
The five-dollar bill is a great example of this. As we progress further into a cashless society, it's worth wondering how long these nicknames will be remembered.
Aussies have a penchant for slang, and our currency notes are no exception. We've given them playful monikers like "lobbo" or "lobster" for the twenty-dollar note, which gets its name from the vibrant red hue.
The fifty-dollar note is affectionately known as "pineapple", thanks to its golden-yellow colour. Whether you're paying for a coffee or making a sizeable purchase, these nicknames are an integral part of Australian financial lingo.
Here are some common Australian slang terms for cash:
- Fiddy: A variation of "pineapple" for the fifty-dollar note.
- Tenner: The ten-dollar note, often called a "tenner".
- Fiver: The five-dollar note, commonly known as a "fiver".
- Buck: A general term for a dollar, irrespective of its denomination.
Australian Slang for $100 Bill

Australian slang for the $100 bill is quite unique and varies by state and region.
The Lazy Turnbull and the Fat Turnbull are nicknames for the $100 bill in some areas, referencing Malcolm Turnbull, Australia's 29th Prime Minister.
Patriotic Australians have even given the $100 bill the nickname the Sticky Howie after John Howard, the 25th Prime Minister.
It's interesting to note that many coins are nicknamed after politicians, showing the country's affection for its leaders.
Understanding Australian Dollar Notes
Australian dollar notes have a distinct culture of nicknaming, particularly when it comes to their color, symbols, or the people on the bills themselves.
Nicknames for cash are a common phenomenon in Australian culture, where many words for objects and places are shortened or given nicknames.
The pattern of nicknaming Aussie cash emerges when looking at the different denominations of dollar notes.
The five-dollar bill is a good starting point to see this pattern emerge.
As we progress through the denominations, we can see that the nicknames are often related to the people or symbols on the bills.
These nicknames will likely be remembered for as long as Australian dollar notes remain a part of the country's currency.
Sources
- https://melarowe.com/australian-slang-terms-for-cash/
- https://www.abc.net.au/education/learn-english/money-phrases-and-expressions/11074344
- https://www.smh.com.au/culture/books/pinkie-piglet-pammie-what-do-you-call-a-5-note-20230403-p5cxn6.html
- https://phongnhaexplorer.com/qna/finance/what-is-the-australian-slang-for-dollar-notes.html
- https://observer.com/2017/07/wikipedia-australian-currency-jolly-green-giant/
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