uey
C2Informal, Colloquial, Slang
Definition
Meaning
A U-turn, especially one made by a vehicle to reverse direction.
A sudden change in direction or policy; a reversal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in Australian and New Zealand English. Originates from shortening 'U-turn' and adding the '-ey' diminutive/slang suffix common in AusE (e.g., 'barbie', 'smoko').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Rare to non-existent in both UK and US English. Recognized in the UK only in contexts aware of Australian English, virtually unknown in the US.
Connotations
In AusE, a neutral or slightly informal term for a driving maneuver. Elsewhere, it's a marked Australianism.
Frequency
Low-to-zero frequency outside Australia and New Zealand.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + a + uey (do/chuck/pull)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chuck a uey”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The company did a complete uey on its remote work policy.' (AusE context)
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
'We missed the turnoff; just chuck a uey at the next roundabout.' (AusE/NZE)
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The driver ueyed illegally in the middle of the high street.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic uey maneuver.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He did a uey to go back home.
- The taxi driver chucked a quick uey to pick up the passenger on the other side.
- Faced with public outcry, the government performed a remarkable policy uey overnight.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Sounds like 'you-turn' – you turn the car around.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGING DIRECTION IS MAKING A U-TURN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly; Russian does not have an equivalent slang term. Use 'развернуться' (to turn around) or 'сделать разворот' (to make a U-turn) depending on context.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'youie', 'youy'. Using it in formal writing. Using it in non-Australasian contexts expecting comprehension.
Practice
Quiz
'Chuck a uey' is most likely to be heard in which context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a slang term specific to Australian and New Zealand English, meaning a U-turn.
You would likely not be understood. Use 'U-turn' or 'do a U-turn' instead.
'Chuck a uey' is the more common and idiomatic phrase in Australian slang, while 'do a uey' is also acceptable but slightly less colorful.
Primarily, yes, but it can be used metaphorically for any sudden reversal of direction or opinion, particularly in Australian English.