Where “BYO” Comes From
BYO stands for “bring your own”, and in Australia it usually means bringing your own alcohol. Green’s Dictionary of Slang lists it as used in Australia and the US, with the earliest dated use from 1959.
It’s said letter by letter, and you’ll see it on party invitations and restaurant windows.
Source:
“It’s a BYO restaurant, so bring a bottle of wine.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
It’s on invitations (“BYO drinks”) and on the windows of restaurants that don’t sell alcohol.
In Real Life
BYO restaurants are a feature of Australian dining, especially in cities with many small family-run eateries. You bring your own wine or beer, and the restaurant may charge corkage to open it and provide glasses. BYO also appears on party invitations, where it can mean drinks, food, or even “bring your own chair”. When in doubt, ask the host what to bring.
Quick Questions
What does BYO mean on an invitation?
It means bring your own drinks, and sometimes food or other things. Ask the host if it isn’t clear.
What is corkage?
A fee a restaurant charges to open and serve a bottle you’ve brought yourself.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: BEE-WY-OH, saying each letter.
In conversation:
- The party is BYO.
- Is the restaurant BYO?
- We’re going to a BYO on Friday.
Good to know: BYO restaurants sometimes charge a small “corkage” fee for opening and serving your wine. Ask when you book.
🎓 Want to sound like a true Aussie?
Watch Down Under English on YouTube for real Australian pronunciation, slang lessons, and culture.
Watch on YouTube →