Where “Journo” Comes From
“Journo” is a clipped form of “journalist” with the Aussie “-o” ending. Green’s Dictionary of Slang marks it as originally Australian.
Its earliest dated uses in Green’s are from 1966, in Baker’s Australian Language, which lists “the Journos” as a Sydney name for its Journalists’ Club, and from 1973. It sits with other “-o” words such as “servo” and “arvo”.
Source:
“The journo asked the mayor a tough question.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it in newsrooms, in the pub and in news stories themselves, usually in a casual or joking way.
In Real Life
Journos are the people who write the news, and the word is used in newsrooms, pubs and the media itself. Australians talk about “the press gallery journos” in Canberra or “a local journo” at the country paper. It’s a relaxed term, so you’d more likely see “journalist” in a written report. In sport and politics the journos often turn up in stories about who got the scoop.
Quick Questions
Is journo informal?
Yes. It’s a friendly short form used in speech and casual writing.
Is journo the same as reporter?
A journo can be a reporter, an editor or a writer. It’s a general word for people in journalism.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: JUR-noh.
In conversation:
- She’s a journo at the local paper.
- A journo rang about the story.
- The journos were waiting outside.
Good to know: It’s friendly and informal, and journalists use it about themselves. In writing, “journalist” is still the safer word.
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