Americans confused over what Australian people call McDonald’s

Despite having nicknames ranging from the sensible to the ludicrous, Americans were shocked to discover what the Australians call McDonald’s.

America’s most popular fast-food chain was first opened in San Bernardino, California, in 1940, before branching out over the decades to 120 countries, 40k restaurants, and 68 million customers daily. With so many customers across so many territories, it’s only natural for customers to invent wild nicknames for their beloved McDonald’s.

What do Australians call McDonald’s?

The first McDonald’s was opened in Yagoona, Australia, in 1971. There are now 1,043 restaurants down under, with New South Wales boasting the most with 331 locations.

It seems that over the decades, Australians have invented a term of their own inspired by the McDonald’s name. That term is “Maccas.” The term is so prevalent that the Australian branch of the eatery has used Maccas in advertisements and signs in the past in both Australia and New Zealand.

Naturally, McDonald’s fans have taken to social media to discuss the term, with most Americans confessing to never having heard the word.

On Twitter, now called X, one person wrote: “Just found out that Australians call McDonald’s ‘Macca’s’ that’s kinda cute.”

“Just found out that Australians call McDonald’s Maccas and Brits call it Maccies,” another person said, as a third stated, “After learning that Australians call McDonald’s ‘Maccas’ I kinda wish we all called it that.”

On TikTok, Diogo Giglio shared his shock at the term as he visited a McDonald’s in Australia on a busy night shift bustling with drunk Aussies.

“Just a quick video. So yeah, just stopped here in Australia, Queensland, where McDonald’s is actually called ‘Macca’s’ I don’t know if that’s true,” he said before turning to an Australian who confirmed the name.

What other nicknames does McDonald’s have?

Of course, Australia is not the only country to boast its own unique name for the legendary fast food restaurant. Here are the best The Focus has found online.