Unspoken Aussie etiquette rules you didn’t know you were breaking

From supermarkets, to pubs and sitting in traffic, these are the unwritten rules every local lives by – and breaking them could see you cop a death stare.

There are certain things every Aussie just knows – an unspoken code that guides everything from traffic light etiquette to backyard barbecues.

While these rules aren’t written in any official guidebook, you’ll often see them debated and sometimes torn apart by thousands of Aussies on Reddit.

Now, a thread has been set up to list all these unwritten rules in one place, helping everyone stay on the same page and keep our country running smoothly.

The original poster took to r/Australia to put forward a few of their own ideas that help “embody mateship and the larrikin spirit”.

“If you’re at the front of the queue at busy traffic lights, you’ve got a duty to those behind to get through the corner as quickly and safely as possible so more cars can go when the light turns green,” the first rule said.

They also pointed out it’s common courtesy to let people with a few items go ahead of you at the supermarket checkout if you have a lot of items.

And they added, “Take your trolley back”.

People care a lot about unspoken road rule etiquette. Picture: iStock

That was just the start.

As comments poured in, people from all walks of life chipped in with their own golden rules.

One suggested that in a pub, you should keep an eye on who’s been waiting longest to order drinks and tell them, “You’re next mate” when the bartender asks.

And it seems queue etiquette is sacred to Aussies.

“If you’re not sure who’s in the queue, then ask. And for the love of all that’s good, don’t try to push to the front,” said one.

Shouting at the pub remains a cherished tradition for many, and as one pubgoer put it, “Always return a shout. If you can’t afford it, don’t take one”.

Pub manners was a big one too. Picture: iStock

Supermarket rules also got plenty of mentions.

One said that at the checkout, always grab the divider to separate your purchase from the next. It’s not the job of the person in second place.

If you see someone struggling to reach something high on the shelf, offer to help get it for them.

On the road, people insist you should “ALWAYS” wave if someone lets you into their lane or gives way.

And when on country roads: “Fingers up when you see another car”.

At traffic lights, as the original poster suggested, if you find yourself at the front, you’re expected to take off as soon as the light turns green.

As one bloke put it: “You need to make a Formula 1 start look like a bunch of snails in a coma”.

If a pedestrian is about to step onto a crossing, stop and let them go. “Don’t speed up and wave at them,” another added.

Apparently, you need to put the divider on the conveyor belt for the person behind you. Picture: iStock

People care a lot about public transport, too.

“Let people off the bus/train before you try to hop on!” said one.

“Don’t have loud, blathering phone calls on public transport, in lifts with others, or in open-plan offices,” another chimed in. “No one wants to hear it”.

At the airport baggage claim, don’t block the front. Stand back a few metres so others can step forward when their bags arrive.

In terms of social gatherings, people had a lot of thoughts.

When visiting someone’s house, if the host says not to bring anything, bring drinks anyway and leave any leftovers.

If you open a gate or door, close it behind you.

Never show up to someone’s house empty-handed. Picture: iStock

Whoever cooks dinner shouldn’t be the one doing the dishes, and if your neighbour’s away, a lot of commenters thought it was good manners to bring in their bin or mow their lawn.

Talking about being a good neighbour, “If you’re out for a walk or run in the suburbs, say g’day to passers-by,” one suggested. “It’s fading, and sometimes people look surprised when you do.”

“Be laid-back at kids’ sports and don’t fight in the stands,” said another.

And finally, if the nearest rubbish bin is full, don’t overflow it – take your rubbish to the next one or take it home.

Originally published as Unspoken Aussie etiquette rules you didn’t know you were breaking