What does arvo mean?
"Arvo" is an informal noun meaning the afternoon, used chiefly in Australian and New Zealand English. It is one of many affectionate diminutives that Australians habitually form by truncating a word and adding an "-o" ending — the same process that produced "servo" (service station), "rego" (registration), and "ambo" (ambulance). Typically used in casual conversation about plans or leisure, as in "see you Saturday arvo," it carries a relaxed, friendly connotation and signals local familiarity. Because it is distinctly colloquial, it is best reserved for informal speech and writing rather than formal contexts. For visitors to Australia, recognizing "arvo" is useful for following everyday conversation, where phrases like "this arvo" or "tomorrow arvo" appear constantly.
nounAn informal Australian and New Zealand term for the afternoon, especially the period after work or school.
- The afternoon, especially late afternoon or the time after work or school.
"Let's catch a movie this arvo after work."
"I'll mow the lawn this arvo before it gets too hot."
"Fancy a barbie tomorrow arvo at our place?"
Aussies love abbreviations so much they chopped 'afternoon' down to 'arvo' — just like they turned 'servo' into a gas station and 'brekkie' into breakfast.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of arvo
Arvo originated in twentieth-century Australian English through a common pattern of word shortening in which the first syllable of a word is retained and an "-o" is appended. The same process yielded "servo" from service station, "ambo" from ambulance, and "compo" from compensation. It spread alongside similar forms in New Zealand English, where "-o" diminutives are also common. Its exact date of first attestation is uncertain, but it was established in colloquial Australian usage well before the end of the century.
How arvo is actually used
Strictly informal and colloquial; strongly associated with Australian English, though understood in New Zealand and increasingly recognized elsewhere. Avoid in formal writing.
Easily confused with arvo
"Arvo" is slang for afternoon, while "arva" is not a standard English word (appearing only as a proper noun or in other languages).