English use private school to mean a non-government or independent school, in contrast with British English which uses public school to refer to the same thing Pudding in Australian (and American) English refers to a particular sweet dessert dish, while in British English it often refers to dessert (the food course) in general Thongs in Australian English refer to British and American English flip-flop (footwear), whereas in both American and British English it refers to Australian English G-string (underwear) (in Australian English the singular "thong" can refer to one half of a pair of the footwear or to a G-string, so care must be taken as to context) Vest in Australian (and American) English refers to a padded upper garment or British English waistcoat but in British English refers to Australian English singlet Idioms taking different forms in Australian English In addition to the large number of uniquely Australian idioms in common use, there are instances of idioms taking different forms in Australian English than in other varieties, for instance: A drop in the ocean (shared with BrE usage) as opposed to AmE a drop in the bucket A way to go (shared with BrE usage) as opposed to AmE a ways to go Home away from home (shared with AmE usage) as opposed to BrE home from home Take (something) with a grain of salt (shared with AmE usage) as opposed to UK take with a pinch of salt Touch wood (shared with BrE usage) as opposed to AmE knock on wood Wouldn't touch (something) with a ten-foot pole (shared with AmE usage) as opposed to BrE wouldn't touch with a barge pole British and American English terms not commonly used in Australian English There are extensive terms used in other varieties of English which are not widely used in Australian English. These terms usually do not result in Australian English speakers failing to comprehend speakers of other varieties of English, as Australian English speakers will often be familiar with such terms through exposure to media or may ascertain the meaning using context. Non-exhaustive selections of British English and American English terms not commonly used in Australian English together with their definitions or Australian English equivalents are found in the collapsible table below: Grammar The general rules of English Grammar which apply to Australian English are described at English grammar. Grammatical differences between varieties of English are minor relative