A Term That’s as Aussie as It Gets
If you’re here, you’ve probably heard someone toss around the term “FIGJAM.”Maybe it was in the office, out on-site, or a casual conversation, and while you laughed along, you were secretly wondering what on earth it actually meant. FIGJAM is one of those uniquely Aussie terms that always gets a reaction—there’s a mix of chuckles, knowing nods, and sometimes an eye roll or two.
When someone says “FIGJAM,” it might sound like they’re talking about a sweet spread for toast, but this term is anything but sugary. The acronym has a unique spot in Australian slang, which is known for being colorful and often blunt. Unlike words that come and go, FIGJAM has survived over the years, especially as Aussies are known for valuing humility and having a laugh.
What Does FIGJAM Mean?
FIGJAM stands for “F*** I’m Good, Just Ask Me.” So, what if someone calls you FIGJAM? Well, consider it a backhanded compliment. On one hand, they’re acknowledging that you’re good at what you do. On the other, they’re hinting that you might be letting it go to your head. In true Aussie fashion, it’s a way of saying, “Yeah, you’re great, mate—just don’t get too carried away with it.”
The Spread of FIGJAM
FIGJAM first popped up in sporting circles in the 1990s, where athletes can be known for being a bit arrogant and full of themselves. In Australian sports, FIGJAM was notably associated with Nathan Buckley, a prominent Australian rules footballer, during the 1990s, the nickname stuck with him throughout his career.
The term eventually crossed over to America through international sports, especially golf. FIGJAM became associated with American golfer Phil Mickelson in the 1990s due to his confident personality, which fit the term’s meaning perfectly. As Mickelson’s peers and fans picked up on it, FIGJAM started gaining attention in the U.S., becoming known not only within golf but also in wider American sports circles.
From On-Field to On-Site
As it caught on, the term dug its heels into Aussie slang, finding its place with the culture’s love for keeping things real and throwing around a bit of banter. FIGJAM was here to stay, and it quickly spread from the city footy fields to the pubs, out to the bush and onto mine sites from Queensland to Western Australia. FIGJAM became a way to remind everyone—from athletes to tradies—“don’t let your head get too big, mate.”