On about means: Speaking about, talking of.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up. For most families this word will pass by without incident; it is more a vocabulary curiosity than a parenting concern.
on about
Speaking about, talking of.
Seen in the wild
Why did you delete? You were spot on about them
One German woman AT UNIVERSITY even assumed that I must be from Western Poland because of "the femboy thing". I'm from Warsaw AND I'M NOT A FEMBOY I'M GAY AND A BIT TRANSGENDER WITH IT WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ON ABOUT
China is threatening to invade Taiwan But they prefer trade to war? I think you’re insane or stupid or a Chinese agent. As well, their navy goes into other country’s waters and bullies fisherman and coast guard (Phili…
Gong on about 45 minutes if sleep today lads.
27 years ago, after a looooong labour that she still goes on about 😂 @mamarayray.bsky.social and @andystockton.bsky.social brought the world their finest production @jgstockton.bsky.social Happy birthday dude!
Definitions
(chiefly, UK, Australian, NZ, informal) Speaking about, talking of.
“Why did you delete? You were spot on about them”
— Bluesky· May 2026“One German woman AT UNIVERSITY even assumed that I must be from Western Poland because of "the femboy thing". I'm from Warsaw AND I'M NOT A FEMBOY I'M GAY AND A BIT TRANSGENDER WITH IT WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU ON ABOUT”
— Bluesky· May 2026“China is threatening to invade Taiwan But they prefer trade to war? I think you’re insane or stupid or a Chinese agent. As well, their navy goes into other country’s waters and bullies fisherman and coast guard (Philippines is the the latest example. But go on about China = peace”
— Bluesky· May 2026“Gong on about 45 minutes if sleep today lads.”
— Bluesky· May 2026“27 years ago, after a looooong labour that she still goes on about 😂 @mamarayray.bsky.social and @andystockton.bsky.social brought the world their finest production @jgstockton.bsky.social Happy birthday dude!”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Show 1 more dictionary-style sense (imported)
Speaking about, talking of.
On about means: Speaking about, talking of.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up. For most families this word will pass by without incident; it is more a vocabulary curiosity than a parenting concern.
on about means: Speaking about, talking of.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang
Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.
See all Australian & NZ slang slang on Slangora.
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- 67%
(AU, informal) Nearly; approximately.
- 64%
Australian and British informal for 'approximately' or 'roughly' — used when you're ballparking a number, time, or amount without being precise. It's a slightly more emphatic version of 'about' or 'around,' stacking both words together for a casual, relaxed effect. You'll hear it in everyday Aussie conversation when someone's giving a rough estimate and doesn't want to be held to specifics. Comfortable, easygoing language that fits perfectly into the Australian communication style.
- 61%
(nautical, US, of a ship) To come onto a new tack.
- 61%
(UK, Scotland, obsolete) About; concerning; anent.