What it means
A classic Aussie put-down for someone being daft, clumsy, or having a full-on brain fade. Since a galah is a loud pink-and-grey cockatoo with a goofy reputation, calling someone a galah paints them as a noisy featherbrained menace. It can be a proper jab or just affectionate piss-taking, all in the tone.
Usage examples
"You left the esky in the sun and now the snags are swimming. You galah, grab some ice before everyone cracks it."
"You great galah, you've put diesel in the petrol car again, that's the second time this year."
"He's a lovable galah, reversed the trailer straight into the only tree in the whole paddock."
"You locked the keys in the ute while it was still running, ya galah."
"Don't be such a galah, mate, the meeting's tomorrow, not today."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
It comes from the galah, a native Australian cockatoo long stereotyped as loud, showy, and a bit clownish. By the late 1800s, Australian English had already started using galah for a fool or idiot, and that meaning stuck, settling in as one of those classic Aussie insults with bite or banter.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.
