In many Australian workplaces, humour is the heartbeat of culture. We trade barbs, invent nicknames, and dish out sarcasm like it’s a national sport. A well-timed joke can ease tension, build connection, and even become a hallmark of great team culture. But even in the most easygoing environments, there’s a fine line between funny and inappropriate—and it’s worth understanding where that line is.

The Aussie Way

In Australia, it’s common to show affection by “paying people out.” If someone once ordered sauerkraut on a sandwich two years ago, they might be “Sauerkraut” forever. Banter is a sign of inclusion. The more we joke with someone, the more comfortable we feel around them. But there’s an unspoken art to doing it well, and a risk when we forget to check in.

Context Is Everything

Timing and setting matter. A joke that lands perfectly at 4pm on a Friday with a few close colleagues might fall flat (or worse) during a Monday morning leadership meeting. Jokes that include cheeky innuendo, dry sarcasm or millennial classic “that’s what she said” punchlines need to be saved for moments where the vibe is right and the audience is clear.

We all know the difference between playful and inappropriate, but sometimes the line blurs. That’s why a simple mental check before making a comment can make all the difference.

Intent vs Impact

Intent matters, but so does impact. Imagine someone says they crammed so much food into their mouth before a meeting, and someone laughs and replies, “You can’t talk.” They meant it literally (you had too much food in your mouth), but it could easily be interpreted as a dig about eating habits. These moments can be harmless, or they can linger in someone’s mind long after the meeting ends.

When in doubt, ask yourself: Could this be misunderstood to mean something else? Could it hit a nerve I hadn’t considered? If the answer is yes, there’s usually a better way to say it.

Some Things Are Off-Limits

It should go without saying, but jokes at the expense of someone’s appearance, ethnicity, income, age, marital status, or parental status are not okay. These aren’t grey areas, they’re red flags. Even if your intent is harmless, these topics carry deep personal, cultural, and societal weight.

Check In. Don’t Assume.

If someone’s had a nickname for a while (or been the regular target of light teasing) it’s worth checking in now and then. A quiet one-on-one can go a long way: “Hey, I just wanted to check, are you cool with the nickname, or would you prefer we drop it?” or even better than a yes and no question “What would you prefer I call you at work?” so they can simply answer their real name if they don’t prefer the nickname. Most people will appreciate the care. Often, they’ll laugh and confirm it’s all in good fun. But you also create space for someone to be honest if it’s been wearing thin.

Don’t Let Fear Kill the Fun

We’re not advocating for sterile conversations or stripping humour from work. Some of the strongest teams are bonded by laughter. But smart, aware humour will always land better than careless jokes. Don’t let the fear of “PC culture” silence your voice—but do let it sharpen your awareness.

If it’s genuinely funny and you know the crowd, go for it. Then take a moment to watch how it lands. If someone seems uneasy, take that as a chance to reflect and adjust. That’s how humour (and culture) matures.