Hard yakka: the slang new Aussies struggle with most

But for those born overseas deciphering Australian slang is almost equivalent to re-learning the English language.

Research from the Antenna Institute, commissioned by Ria Money Transfer, found that for most migrants it takes a decade to learn 5-6 Australian colloquialisms.

While phrases such as 'fair dinkum' and 'crikey' were fairly well known by new arrivals, slang such as 'goon,' 'devo' and 'durry' were less understood.

Monash University senior linguistics lecturer Howard Manns, who moved to Australia from western Pennsylvania in 2007, said learning 'Australianisms' was a way to be involved in the community.

"The use of Australian slang is actually a great way to index that you're part of the gang," he said.

"The feeling of being part of the gang really comes from being able to drop the right idiom at the right time or the right word at the right time."

Dr Manns said while slang terms were used all around the world, Australians genuinely reveled in their use of the unique language.

"Every country has those words that are specific to that country... but what's interesting about Australia is that we tend to celebrate ours," he said.

"We almost have this performance of our words that we're really proud of."

The survey also collected data about quintessential Australian experiences.

Many said going to an AFL match was a must-do part of Aussie culture (49% of those surveyed) and celebrating Christmas in July (43%).

However according to the data the most popular Australian cultural experience for new Aussies was enjoying some TimTams.

Other Australian foods that were enjoyed included lamingtons, sausage sizzles and chicken salt.

Only 72% of the migrants surveyed had been brave enough to try the iconic Australian spread Vegemite.

Data found even for migrants who had lived in the country for more than a decade 37% were still shocked at Australian cultural expressions.

Even after years of studying Australians' use of slang Dr Manns said he was still learning new terms.

"I feel like I know a lot more about it now than I did years ago for sure," he said.

"But I bet an old cobber out there... could definitely still school me a thing or two and I'd be very happy to sit and listen for hours."