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Seppo

(Australia, rhyming slang, ethnic slur, offensive) An American.

ˈsɛpoʊDocumented since 1980s1980sGen Xhistorical319 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
1 definition
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Etymology timeline

Born ~1980 · no dated citations yet
1980BornToday, 2026

Seen in the wild

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AustraliaOffensive
#1·Apr 27, 2026AUS

(Australia, rhyming slang, ethnic slur, offensive) An American.

For parents

"Seppo" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning an american. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

For ESL learners

"Seppo" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning an american. It is mainly heard in Australian or New Zealand English. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "an american" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "Seppo" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

Heard in the wild
  • “For the extinct spider genus, see [Seppo koponeni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seppo_koponeni "Seppo koponeni").”

  • “3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seppo_Linnainmaa#cite_ref-3 "Jump up")**["Seppo Linnainmaa (Mathematician and Computer Scientist)"](https://www.onthisday.com/people/seppo-linnainmaa). _OnThisDay.com_.”

  • “Helsinki 2014. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_(identifier) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-952-286-837-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-952-286-837-4 "Special:BookSources/978-952-286-837-4"). (in Finnish) 7. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seppo_Heikinheimo#cite_ref-7 "Jump up")**Heikinheimo, Seppo: _Mätämunan muistelmat_, p.”

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For specific readers

"Seppo" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning an american. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

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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Australia

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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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