What Do Australians Call Shrimp?
In Australia, shrimp are commonly referred to as prawns. The term “shrimp” is used less often, but is still understood and used by many people. Prawn is the more commonly used term in Australia, so if you are unsure what to call them, it is best to stick with prawns.
If you’re like most people, you probably think of shrimp as a seafood dish that can be enjoyed by people from all over the world. But did you know that Australians actually have their own unique name for this popular seafood item?
In Australia, shrimp are commonly referred to as “prawns.”
This may seem like a small difference, but it’s one that sets Australian cuisine apart from the rest of the world. Prawns are a bit larger and more robust than traditional shrimp, so they pack a bit more of a flavor punch.
If you’re ever in Australia and order seafood, don’t be surprised if your waiter brings you prawns instead of shrimp.
Now that you know the difference, enjoy these delicious crustaceans to your heart’s content!
How do you know your Australian prawns are actually Australian? | Landline
Shrimp on a Barbie Meaning
Shrimp on a Barbie is an Australian term that means to cook shrimp on a barbecue. The phrase is often used as a descriptor for how easy it is to cook shrimp, as well as how good they taste when cooked this way.

Credit: theculturetrip.com
Why Do Australians Say Prawn?
If you’ve ever wondered why Australians say prawn instead of shrimp, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and one with a bit of a complicated answer.
The short version is that prawn is the more general term, while shrimp refers to a specific type of prawn.
In Australia, we use the word prawn for both fresh and saltwater varieties, while shrimp is generally only used for saltwater shrimp.
Prawns are decapod crustaceans – they have 10 legs and 2 pairs of antennae. They can be found in both fresh and salt water, and range in size from about 1cm to 30cm long.
There are thousands of different species of prawns around the world, including popular varieties like king prawns, tiger prawns and banana prawns.
Like prawns, they have 10 legs but only 1 pair of antennae. Shrimp tend to be smaller than prawns, with most measuring under 10cm in length. The most popular variety of shrimp in Australia is probably yabbies – small freshwater shrimp that are often eaten as bait or turned into delicious dishes like yabby soup!
Why Do Australians Say Shrimp on the Barbie?
Why do Australians say shrimp on the Barbie?
The answer is both simple and complicated. On one hand, Aussies might say “shrimp on the barbie” because it’s a fun, catchy phrase that rhymes.
But there’s also a more cultural explanation.
In Australia, shrimp are called prawns. And while you can find grilled prawns (or shrimp) at cookouts and BBQs in other countries, the phrase “prawn on the barbie” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.
So instead, Australians borrowed the American term “shrimp” and added it to their own vernacular.
Nowadays, you’ll hear both “prawns on the barbie” and “shrimp on the barbie” used interchangeably in Australia. So whether you’re Down Under or across the pond, don’t be afraid to throw some seafood on the grill this summer!
Does Australia Have Prawns Or Shrimp?
Australia is home to many different types of seafood, and yes, this includes both prawns and shrimp. Prawns are a type of shellfish that is closely related to lobster and crab. They can be found in warm waters all around the world, including off the coast of Australia.
Shrimp, on the other hand, are a type of crustacean that is also related to lobster and crab. However, they are typically smaller than prawns and have a more delicate flavor. Similar to prawns, shrimp can be found in warm waters all over the globe, including Australia.
So whether you’re looking for prawns or shrimp, you’ll be able to find them fresh Down Under!
Why Do Americans Say Shrimp Instead of Prawn?
Prawn and shrimp are both common names for small, aquatic crustaceans. In the U.S., shrimp is the more commonly used term, while prawn is more common in the UK and other parts of Europe. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences between them.
Shrimp tend to be smaller than prawns and have a curved shape. They also have 10 legs, while prawns have 8 legs. Prawns are also typically firmer and less delicate than shrimp.
So why do Americans say “shrimp” instead of “prawn?” It’s actually not entirely clear. One theory is that it’s simply a matter of regional preference – in the same way that some people in the US say “pop” while others say “soda.”
Another possibility is that the word “shrimp” comes from an Old English word meaning “to cut,” which may refer to the way that shrimp are usually prepared (i.e., by cutting them into pieces).
Whatever the reason, there’s no correct answer when it comes to whether you should say “shrimp” or “prawn.” Both terms are perfectly acceptable, so use whichever one you prefer!
Conclusion
In Australia, shrimp are commonly referred to as prawns. The word “prawn” is actually used more often than “shrimp” in many parts of the world, including the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa. In Australia, prawns are usually sold cooked and peeled, whereas in the US they are typically sold raw and unpeeled.