What is the meaning of root in Australia?
The meaning of root in Australia is similar to shag in the UK or screw in the US. In Australian slang, if someone asks you for a root, they’re not talking about plants…
If an Australian asks you if you’d like a root, it’s highly unlikely that they’re talking about trees and plants. It’s improbable that they’re talking about England cricket captain Joe Root either.
Meaning of root in Australia
The dictionary definition of root may be the thing at the bottom of a plant that allows it to get a firm grip in the ground. But the Australian meaning of root is rather different.
Tick off 9 Australian bucket list experiences
- Take Blue Mountains day tour from Sydney – with kangaroo-feeding at a wildlife park, Scenic World tickets and a Parramatta River cruise.
- Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
- Do Australia’s most spectacular drive on a Great Ocean Road day tour from Melbourne.
- Drive along the beach on a 4WD day tour of Fraser Island, the world’s biggest sand island.
- Have a dune-top barbecue dinner and stargazing session in the shadow of Uluru.
- See penguins on Phillip Island – and more native wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary – on a day trip from Melbourne.
- Go snorkelling, sandboarding and kayaking on Moreton Island from Brisbane.
- Meet gloriously cute quokkas on Rottnest Island near Perth with a ferry and bike hire package.
- Kayak with dolphins in Byron Bay.
The Australian slang definition of root is sexual intercourse. It can be used as either a verb or a noun. You can root someone, or you can have a root with someone.
As you can probably tell, the Australian use of the word root for sex is not exactly polite phraseology. It’s not quite swearing either, though. It’s a blokey, rather bogan turn of phrase, often used in jest. The UK equivalent of root in Australia would probably be shag. The closest US English equivalent is probably screw.
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Australian slang phrases
The meaning of root in Australia is one of several little difference between British, American and Australian English. Australian slang throws up scores of colloquialisms that will initially mystify people from overseas. Aussies will say 4WD instead of four by four and goon instead of boxed wine.
Other Australian slang words you might come across include hoon, ranga, Manchester, cellar doors, paperbark trees, schooners and poms.
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