1990s
Still common
Definition
What Australians say about anything treasured, from a hard-won trophy to the cheapest bargain-shop find — used both sincerely and jokingly.
🎥 Watch
Where "Straight to the Poolroom" Comes From
It comes from the 1997 Australian comedy "The Castle," where dad Darryl Kerrigan, played by Michael Caton, keeps declaring family treasures are "going straight to the pool room," the family's shrine to their most prized possessions.
Shot on a tiny budget in about 11 days, the film became a genuine Australian cultural touchstone.
Example Sentence
He found the bargain of the century at the tip shop — straight to the poolroom, that one.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used sincerely for a genuinely prized win, and jokingly for something ridiculously cheap or ordinary that's being treated as a trophy.
One of the most widely quoted lines in Australian film, instantly recognised across generations.
🎓 Want to sound like a true Aussie?
Watch Down Under English on YouTube for real Australian pronunciation, slang lessons, and culture — taught by an Australian educator.
Watch on YouTube →