Australian English for Living and Working in Australia. Lesson 10.
In many Australian workplaces, relationships are strengthened outside formal meetings. In this lesson you join colleagues at Friday drinks and a weekend barbecue. You hear how people talk about sport, weather, weekend plans and light gossip, and how joking and self-deprecation are used to build connection. You learn positive slang and idioms such as "Good on ya", "No dramas" and "Have a crack", and you practise safe ways to join gentle teasing without crossing personal or cultural lines. We also look carefully at boundaries: topics and types of humour that are usually avoided at work, and how to respond if a joke makes you uncomfortable. By the end, you can chat more freely at social events linked to work, understand most of the banter and decide which expressions and habits you want to adopt yourself.
1. Getting invited to Friday drinks at work.
Imagine it is your first Friday afternoon in a new Australian office. It is about four thirty, people are starting to close their laptops, and someone turns to you in the kitchen and says, You heading to Friday drinks later? In this block, we will listen to a short conversation like that and unpack what is really happening. Your main job is to catch the invitation, work out how friendly and informal the tone is, and decide how you want to respond. You will hear typical phrases such as Yeah, I might pop down for one and Thanks for the invite, maybe next time. These are great middle options when you are not sure how long you want to stay or if you even want to go. After you listen, you will answer a few questions to check you understood who is inviting whom, what they decide to do, and how firm or flexible the plans are. Do not worry about catching every single word. Focus on the key ideas: the invite, the response and the feeling of the conversation.
A first invite to Friday drinks.
In many Australian offices, Friday afternoon is more relaxed. People may leave a bit early and go to a nearby pub or bar together. Often, the invitation is very informal and sounds more like a casual question than a big organised event.
Here is a typical mini scene. While you listen in this block, you will hear something very close to this.
Scene: office kitchen, 4:30 pm
Sam: Hey, Priya, you heading to Friday drinks later?
Priya: Oh, hey. I am not sure yet, I am pretty tired.
Sam: Fair enough. We are just popping down to The Local for one or two.
Priya: Yeah, I might pop down for one, see how I go.
Sam: Nice one. We are heading off about five if you want to join.
Priya: Cool, thanks for the invite.
Key phrases to notice.
You heading to Friday drinks later?
Very common informal invite. Notice there is no are. It is friendly and relaxed, not rude.
We are just popping down to The Local for one or two.
Popping down means going quickly, not a big serious plan. For one or two usually means one or two drinks, but it can be flexible.
Yeah, I might pop down for one, see how I go.
This is a perfect soft yes. You are saying you will probably come, but you are not promising to stay long.
Thanks for the invite.
Simple, friendly way to show you appreciate the invitation, even if you are not sure.
When you hear real office conversations, you might also hear:
Yeah, I might pop down for one.
I will probably swing by for a bit.
Thanks for the invite, maybe next time.
In a moment you will listen to the audio of this scene. Then you will answer a few questions in your own words so I can see how much you caught.
Practice & Feedback
Listen carefully to the short office conversation. You can play it more than once. Do not worry about every word, but try to catch the main ideas:
Where are the people and what time of day is it?
What does Sam invite Priya to do?
What does Priya finally decide, and how strong is her decision?
Write your answers in full sentences, using your own words. Aim for 3–5 sentences in total. Try to reuse at least one of the phrases from the scene, such as pop down or thanks for the invite, if it feels natural. This will help you sound more Australian and also show that you understood the tone of the conversation.
2. Joining small talk about weekend plans and sport.
Now let us imagine you actually go to Friday drinks with the team. You walk into a noisy pub, people are holding drinks, and the conversation is light. Nobody wants to talk about spreadsheets or budgets. Instead, you will probably hear questions about the weekend, the weather, and sometimes sport. In this block we will look at common questions such as How was your weekend? and Did you catch the footy last night? and practise giving short, friendly answers that match the relaxed mood.
You do not need to be a sport expert or a party person. It is totally fine to say things like I am hopeless at cricket, to be honest or I just had a quiet one at home. The important thing is to keep the tone warm and open. On the screen you will see some typical questions and some model answers. Then you will write your own answers, so that next time someone asks, you do not freeze. Remember, these chats are not a test. They are just a way Australians build connection without too much pressure.
Small talk topics at Friday drinks.
At Friday drinks, people rarely jump straight into deep, personal topics. To keep things easy for everyone, they often start with very safe questions about:
how your week or weekend was,
the weather,
sport, especially football or cricket,
simple plans for the weekend.
Here are some typical questions you might hear when you arrive at the pub:
How was your week?
How was your weekend?
Got much planned for the weekend?
Did you catch the footy last night?
What are you up to this weekend?
Model answers with a friendly Aussie feel.
For each question, notice how the answer is short, honest and a bit relaxed.
How was your week?
Yeah, pretty busy but not too bad.
How was your weekend?
Good, thanks. Just had a quiet one at home, which was nice.
Got much planned for the weekend?
Not really, just catching up with some friends on Sunday.
Did you catch the footy last night?
Nah, missed it. I am hopeless with sport, to be honest.
What are you up to this weekend?
Might head to the beach if the weather is decent.
You can hear some common Australian touches here:
Using little fillers such as yeah, nah, to be honest.
Using soft adjectives: pretty busy, not too bad, a quiet one.
Admitting you are not into sport: I am hopeless at cricket, to be honest. That is totally fine. Self‑deprecation like this often feels friendly in Australia.
In the activity below, you will personalise these answers so they fit your real life and your style.
Practice & Feedback
Read the list of small talk questions below. Imagine you have just arrived at Friday drinks with colleagues you are still getting to know. Your goal is to sound friendly, relaxed and open, without sharing anything too private.
Write a short answer for each question. Aim for 1–2 sentences per answer. Try to:
use at least one softener such as pretty, kind of, not too bad;
use one or two natural fillers like yeah or nah;
include one line of gentle self‑deprecation if it suits you, for example I am hopeless at cricket, to be honest.
Altogether you should write around 5–8 sentences. You can invent weekend plans if you like. Focus on sounding natural and comfortable in an Australian social setting.
Questions to answer:
How was your week?
How was your weekend?
Got much planned for the weekend?
Did you catch the footy last night?
What are you up to this weekend?
3. Understanding positive Aussie banter and praise.
Once you are comfortable with basic small talk, you will start to notice another layer at Friday drinks and barbecues: banter. Banter is light teasing and joking between people who know each other reasonably well. In Australia, this often includes a mix of self‑deprecating comments and very positive slang, such as Good on ya, Nah, you smashed it, or She will be right. The challenge is to understand that these comments are friendly, not attacks.
In this block we will look at short exchanges where colleagues tease each other about being bad at sport, making a small mistake at work, or being shy at karaoke. You will see how All in good fun, mate can signal that everyone understands it is just joking. You will also see how people use humour to praise each other, not only to criticise. Your job is not to copy every joke. Instead, focus on recognising when the tone is warm and safe, and when someone is actually annoyed. Then you will write a couple of short explanations and try using one or two of these positive slang expressions in your own sentences.
Friendly praise and teasing in Australian English.
At Friday drinks, once people relax, they often move from simple small talk to banter. This is playful teasing between people who already have some trust. It can be confusing, because the words sometimes sound negative, but the tone and body language are positive.
Look at these short scenes.
Scene 1: After a work presentation
Alex: Nice job on that presentation today.
Jordan: Ah, I was all over the place.
Alex: Nah, you smashed it. Good on ya.
Here, Jordan is being modest. Alex uses two very positive slang phrases:
Nah, you smashed it.
Means you did really well.
Good on ya.
Means well done or good for you. It is warm praise, not sarcastic.
Scene 2: After a small mistake
Lena: Sorry about that, I completely stuffed up the report.
Chris: All good, it was just a tiny stuff‑up.
Lena: Still, I feel bad.
Chris: No dramas, she will be right.
Key phrases:
a stuff‑up / to stuff up
A light word for a mistake, often used when it is not serious.
No dramas, she will be right.
Means do not worry, it will be fine.
Scene 3: Talking about sport
Sam: You coming to the touch footy game on Saturday?
Priya: I am hopeless at sport, to be honest.
Sam: Come on, just have a crack.
have a crack
Means try, give it a go, often used to encourage someone.
Reading the signals.
Positive banter usually comes with smiles, relaxed voices and quick laughter. People also often tease themselves, not just others. If you hear phrases like Good on ya, Nah, you smashed it, No dramas, or She will be right together with friendly body language, you can assume the feeling is supportive.
In the activity, you will show that you understand the meaning and tone of some of these expressions, and then practise using them yourself in safe, positive ways.
Practice & Feedback
Look back at the three scenes on the screen. Choose two slang expressions from this list:
Good on ya
Nah, you smashed it
a stuff‑up
No dramas, she will be right
have a crack
For each expression you choose, do two things:
Explain the meaning in your own words in one short sentence. Focus on the feeling, not a dictionary translation. For example, is it praise, encouragement, or saying do not worry?
Write one new sentence where you could say this to a colleague at Friday drinks or at a barbecue in a friendly way.
Altogether you should write about 4–6 sentences. Imagine real colleagues and real situations, but keep the tone kind and light. Do not use these expressions to attack or criticise people.
Expressions to choose from:
Good on ya
Nah, you smashed it
a stuff‑up
No dramas, she will be right
have a crack
4. Keeping boundaries and saying no politely.
Banter and drinks can be fun, but you also need clear ways to protect your own boundaries. Maybe you do not drink alcohol, you have to get up early, or a joke feels uncomfortable. In Australian culture, it is completely acceptable to say no, as long as you keep the tone calm and respectful.
In this block we will look at two common moments. First, someone insists that you stay for more drinks, even though you want to go home. Second, someone makes a joke that feels a bit off to you. You will see how phrases like I am gonna head off, got an early start and Thanks for the invite, maybe next time let you decline without sounding unfriendly. You will also see simple ways to respond if you do not like a joke, such as I do not really find that funny, to be honest or Let us change the subject.
We will keep the language practical. You do not have to argue or give a long explanation. A short, firm but friendly line is usually enough. After reading the scenarios, you will write your own responses so that next time you can protect your comfort and still keep good relationships at work.
Saying no to more drinks or a late night.
You never have to drink or stay out late to fit into an Australian workplace. Many people leave early or do not drink alcohol, and that is fine. The key is to say no clearly but kindly.
Scene A: You want to go home
Colleague: We are getting another round, you in?
You: I am gonna head off, got an early start tomorrow.
Colleague: Ah, fair enough. Thanks for coming.
Other useful versions:
I am gonna head off, but thanks for the invite.
I might call it a night, I am pretty tired.
I am just sticking to water tonight, but you go for it.
Notice you often:
give a simple reason (early start, tired),
use relaxed language (gonna, pretty tired),
say thanks.
Responding to an uncomfortable joke.
Sometimes a joke can feel a bit personal, or it touches a topic that is not okay at work. You have a right to feel safe. You can respond calmly, without making a big scene.
Scene B: A joke you do not like
Colleague: Come on, have another drink, do not be so boring.
You: I am fine, thanks. Let us talk about something else.
or
Colleague: makes a joke about your accent
You: I know you are joking, but I do not really find that funny.
Other gentle options:
I would rather not joke about that.
Let us change the subject.
I am not comfortable with that, to be honest.
These phrases are short and neutral. Your tone is more important than perfect words. Speak slowly, keep your voice steady, and then move the conversation on.
In the next activity, you will write two short replies: one to say no to a drink or invitation, and one to respond to a joke that does not feel right.
Practice & Feedback
Read the two short scenarios below. Imagine you are at Friday drinks with colleagues from your new Australian office.
For each scenario, write a short reply in 1–2 sentences:
In Scenario 1, politely say no to more drinks or another bar. You can give a simple reason, or just say you are fine. Try to use a phrase like I am gonna head off or Thanks for the invite, maybe next time.
In Scenario 2, respond calmly to a joke that makes you uncomfortable. Show that you know they might be joking, but you do not like it. You can use ideas like I do not really find that funny or Let us change the subject.
Altogether you should write about 3–5 sentences. Focus on a firm but friendly tone that fits Australian workplace culture.
Scenario 1:
A colleague says: 'We are heading to another bar after this, you have to come! Do not be boring.'
Scenario 2:
Someone at the table makes a joke about your accent and then says: 'Relax, it is all in good fun, mate.'
5. Chatting in a group message about drinks and a barbecue.
Friday drinks are not only organised face to face. Often there is a group chat on Teams, Slack or WhatsApp where people talk about who is going, share silly comments, or invite others to a weekend barbecue. Written chat at work in Australia is usually informal, but still polite. You might see short messages like You heading to drinks later? or I might pop down for one. You will also see friendly slang such as Good on ya or Nah, I am gonna head off, got an early start.
In this block you will look at a short group chat between colleagues from the same team. They are deciding whether to go to Friday drinks and planning a relaxed barbecue on Sunday. Notice how short each message is and how people keep the tone light with little words like haha or all good. After reading the chat, you will join the conversation by writing your own messages. This is a safe way to practise sounding natural in writing, without worrying about spelling every word perfectly. The aim is to communicate clearly, match the friendly tone, and show your own boundaries if you cannot or do not want to join.
A typical work group chat.
Below is an example of a group chat on a work messaging app. The team has a channel for social plans.
#social-stuff
Sam: You heading to Friday drinks later?
Jordan: Yeah, I might pop down for one.
Lena: I will probably swing by, depends how this report goes.
Priya: I am still finding my feet, but I might come for a bit.
Sam: Sweet, we are meeting at The Local at five.
Alex: I am gonna head off early today, got an early start tomorrow, so I will skip drinks.
Sam: All good, thanks for the heads up.
Later that afternoon:
Sam: Also, we are doing a barbecue at mine on Sunday, from one. Nothing fancy.
Jordan: Nice, good on ya for organising.
Lena: I am in, I will bring a salad.
Alex: I will have a crack at dessert.
Sam: Priya, no pressure, but you are welcome to come too.
Notice how:
Messages are short, often just one line.
People say yes, no or maybe in relaxed ways: I might pop down for one, I will probably swing by, I will skip drinks.
Boundaries are normal: got an early start tomorrow.
Sam softens the barbecue invite with no pressure.
In the activity you will step into this chat as yourself and send a few messages that fit the situation and your personality.
Practice & Feedback
Imagine you have just joined this team and you are also in the #social-stuff chat. Read the chat messages above carefully.
Now write 3 to 5 short chat messages as yourself over the afternoon, for example:
reply to Sam about Friday drinks (are you going or not?);
answer the barbecue invite (yes, no, or maybe);
add one friendly comment to someone else, such as thanking them for organising or saying what you will bring.
Keep each message to one or two short sentences, like in the model. Try to:
use at least one chunk from the course, such as Yeah, I might pop down for one, Thanks for the invite, maybe next time, or Good on ya;
show your boundaries clearly if you cannot go;
keep the tone friendly and relaxed.
Write your messages one under another, as if you are texting in the group chat.
Context reminder:
The team is going to Friday drinks at a pub called The Local at five.
Sam has also invited people to a casual barbecue at their place on Sunday from one.
Some people are going, some are not, and there is no pressure either way.
6. Putting it all together at Friday drinks and a barbecue.
You have now seen every part of this social situation: the casual invite in the office, small talk about weekends and sport, positive Aussie banter, group chats, and also how to say no or set boundaries. In this final block, you will bring everything together in one short performance task.
Imagine it is the end of your first month in an Australian office. It is another Friday, and the team is going to drinks and then a barbecue on the weekend. Your colleagues already know you a little, and you feel more confident, but you still want to sound natural and stay true to yourself.
Your job is to write a mini script that covers the whole journey: being invited, deciding whether to go, arriving at the pub, joining small talk, responding to a bit of banter, and then leaving or saying no to more drinks. You can also include a barbecue scene if you like. On the screen you will see a short checklist of moments to include and some chunks you may want to reuse. Focus on clear structure, friendly tone and using at least a few Australian expressions that now feel comfortable for you. This is your chance to rehearse your real future Friday drinks, safely here first.
Your mini Friday drinks and barbecue script.
To finish this lesson, you will write a short script that shows how you would handle Friday drinks and related social events with colleagues in Australia.
You can write it as:
a dialogue with names, like a mini play, or
a first person story where you describe what you say.
Try to include these stages:
The invite at work
Someone asks if you are heading to Friday drinks later.
Your decision
You accept, say maybe, or politely decline, using soft language.
Arriving at the pub
You answer at least one small talk question about your week, weekend or sport.
A bit of banter
Someone praises you or gently teases you, and you respond in a friendly way.
Your boundary
You either leave early, say no to more drinks, or respond to a joke that does not feel right.
Optionally, you can also:
Include the barbecue
Mention being invited to a weekend barbecue and giving your answer.
Useful chunks you can reuse.
Try to use at least three of these in your script:
You heading to Friday drinks later?
Yeah, I might pop down for one.
Thanks for the invite, maybe next time.
How was your weekend?
Did you catch the footy last night?
I am hopeless at cricket, to be honest.
Good on ya, that is awesome.
Nah, you smashed it.
All in good fun, mate.
I am gonna head off, got an early start.
She will be right, no dramas.
Success checklist.
When you finish, check:
Structure: you included most of the stages above.
Tone: friendly, relaxed, not too formal.
Boundaries: somewhere you clearly but politely say no or protect yourself.
Aussie flavour: you used at least a few expressions from this lesson.
Now it is your turn to create the whole scene in your own words.
Practice & Feedback
Write your own mini script showing how you would handle Friday drinks and, if you like, a weekend barbecue with colleagues in Australia.
Follow these steps:
Decide if you want to write it as a dialogue (with names and lines) or as a short story using I.
Include at least these moments: an invite at work, your decision, arriving at the pub with small talk, a bit of positive banter, and a clear boundary where you leave or say no to something.
Try to reuse at least three chunks from the list on the screen, such as Yeah, I might pop down for one or I am gonna head off, got an early start.
Aim for 10 to 14 lines of dialogue or about 200 words of story. Focus on natural, clear language, not on perfect grammar. This is your rehearsal for real future Fridays, so make it realistic for your own personality and habits.
Checklist reminder:
Invite at work
Your decision (yes, maybe, or no)
Arriving at the pub and small talk
A bit of friendly banter
A clear boundary (leaving, saying no, or reacting to a joke)
