seppo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist slang)Very informal, colloquial, Australian slang
Quick answer
What does “seppo” mean?
A mildly derogatory Australian slang term for an American person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mildly derogatory Australian slang term for an American person.
A rhyming slang derivation from 'septic tank' (Yank), used informally and often humorously to refer to Americans, typically carrying a tone of casual mockery or affectionate ribbing rather than severe hostility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not used in British or American English. Purely Australian/New Zealand slang.
Connotations
N/A for UK/US. In Aus/NZ: often implies perceived American cultural traits like loudness, naivety, or patriotism.
Frequency
Used occasionally in casual conversation, media, and humorous contexts in Australia/NZ. Unknown in other dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “seppo” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] seppo [VERB]...Typical seppo behaviour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seppo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely; inappropriate.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Possible in very casual Australian/New Zealand settings among friends.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seppo”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it outside Australia/NZ expecting to be understood.
- Using it directly to an American, which may cause offense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context and tone. It's derogatory slang, but often used in a jesting, ironic way among Australians/New Zealanders. It's best avoided in mixed company or when speaking to Americans directly.
It comes from Australian rhyming slang: 'septic tank' rhymes with 'Yank', which is then shortened to 'seppo'.
Most Americans are completely unaware of this slang term unless they have spent significant time in Australia or New Zealand.
Yes, the term is not gender-specific. It refers to any American person.
A mildly derogatory Australian slang term for an American person.
Seppo is usually very informal, colloquial, australian slang in register.
Seppo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛp.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛp.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As useful as a seppo at a cricket match. (humorous, implying ignorance of local culture)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Seppo rhymes with 'Yep, oh' – as in, 'Yep, oh, there's another American.'
Conceptual Metaphor
NATIONALITY AS DISEASE/CONTAMINANT (from 'septic').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'seppo' MOST LIKELY be used appropriately?