What does sheila mean in Australian slang?
Sheila is an old Australian slang word for a woman or young woman. It was common in the twentieth century but is now considered dated and can be seen as disrespectful.
The word comes from the Irish name Sheila, which was used in Britain from the early 1800s as a general term for an Irish girl, much as Paddy was used for Irish men. In Australia it came to mean any woman.
Sheila appeared widely in Australian literature, films and songs, often alongside bloke, the slang word for man.
Changing attitudes
Because sheila can sound patronising, it is rarely used today in formal or polite settings. Some people use it jokingly.
Linguists see sheila as one example of Irish influence on Australian English, which also includes words and pronunciations brought by Irish convicts and settlers. Irish migrants made up a large share of the colonial population.
Most Australians still understand the word, and it appears in older films, novels and comedy routines that play on classic Aussie stereotypes. Visitors are best advised to avoid it, as many women find it outdated.
Did You Know?
Bloke, the male equivalent, remains in everyday use, while sheila has largely faded.