- Common Australian and New Zealand slang abbreviation for afternoon.
Explanation
Origin
- A classic example of Australian English's tendency to shorten words and add an -o suffix (diminutive formation).
- Derived simply by shortening afternoon -> afto -> arvo (perhaps influenced by the pronunciation of 'R' in some accents).
- This pattern is seen in many other Aus/NZ slang terms like servo (service station), smoko (smoke break), rego (registration).
- Became widespread in the mid-20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Standard:
- Afternoon
- This afternoon / Tomorrow afternoon etc.
- P.M. (Less common in casual speech)
No direct slang equivalents are widespread in most other dialects (like US or UK English). People just say afternoon or this afternoon.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal slang. Extremely common and natural in everyday conversation in Australia and New Zealand.
- Use freely in casual contexts there.
- While maybe understood by some in the UK due to cultural exchange, it's not standard there. Mostly unknown in North America.
- Avoid in highly formal written or spoken contexts where afternoon is the appropriate choice.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Completely unintelligible to speakers unfamiliar with Australian/NZ slang. Could be mistaken for a name, an acronym, or a typo. Context of time/plans is essential.
Examples
- I'll see you this arvo. (this afternoon)
- What are you up to Saturday arvo? (Saturday afternoon)
- Let's meet for coffee about three-ish this arvo.
Dialogue
Chloe: Hey mate, wanna catch up later?
Liam: Yeah, keen. This arvo work for you?
Chloe: Yep, perfect. My place around 4?
Liam: Sounds like a plan. See ya this arvo.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram Story: Beach hangs this arvo! ☀️🌊 #Australia #Summer #Arvo
- Facebook Event Title: BBQ and Beers Saturday Arvo
- Tweet: Finished work early! Time for a relaxing arvo in the garden. #Chill #TGIF #Arvo
Response Patterns
- Acknowledging the time frame: Okay, sounds good. / Sweet as. (Aus/NZ) / Righto.
- Answering a question about plans: Not much, just relaxing this arvo. / Working this arvo, unfortunately.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Confirming details of plans made for the afternoon.
- Continuing the conversation about afternoon activities.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, can be used when making plans or inquiring about someone's schedule. Got anything on this arvo? / Busy this arvo?
Intonation
- Casual, conversational, natural part of Aus/NZ speech.
- Stress is typically on the first syllable: AR-vo.
Generation Differences
- Used commonly across all generations in Australia and New Zealand. It's a fundamental part of the colloquial lexicon.
Regional Variations
- Primarily Australian and New Zealand English. Not used or typically understood elsewhere.