Where “Speedos” Comes From
“Speedos” is Australian slang for tight swimming briefs, usually the men’s kind. Green’s Dictionary of Slang tags it Australian.
The earliest dated example in Green’s is a 1935 Sydney Morning Herald advertisement for men’s and women’s Speedos, followed by a 1953 Sun-Herald advertisement comparing Speedo styles for young men and fathers. Tim Winton uses it in the 1990 novel Human Torpedo.
Source:
“He turned up to the pool in his old speedos.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
It is usually plural, as in “a pair of speedos”. Other Aussie swimwear words include “cossie”, “bathers” and “budgie smugglers”.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: SPEE-doze.
In conversation:
- Don’t forget your speedos and a towel for the pool.
- He turned up at the beach in bright red speedos.
- Are those speedos or boardies?
Good to know: “Speedo” is also a swimwear brand name. In everyday talk, Aussies often say “speedos” for tight swimming briefs of any make, and it’s nearly always plural: “a pair of speedos”.
See also: Budgie smugglers, Cossie, Bathers, Togs
🎓 Want to sound like a true Aussie?
Watch Down Under English on YouTube for real Australian pronunciation, slang lessons, and culture.
Watch on YouTube →