Traditional
Still common
Definition
A lie - from pork pie.
Example Sentence
"He's telling porkies again."
Where "Porky" Comes From
Shortened from "pork pie," rhyming slang for "lie" — a classic Cockney formation that's since become common enough in Australia that most people no longer even think of it as rhyming slang.
The abbreviation to just "porky" or "porkies" happened long ago, leaving the original rhyme almost forgotten by everyday users.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used lightly to call out a fib, usually a small or harmless one rather than a serious lie — "he's telling porkies again" carries a bit of amusement rather than real accusation.
It's one of the rhyming slang terms that's crossed over into completely everyday, unremarkable use.
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