McDonald's to become 'Macca's' in Australia, after branding survey

SYDNEY (AFP) - Global fast food chain McDonald's is embracing its Australian nickname Down Under, with selected stores around the country changing their signage on Tuesday to "Macca's".

The world-first change - a temporary measure - comes after a branding survey commissioned by the hamburger restaurant found that 55 per cent of Australians called the company by its shortened name.

"We've been a part of Australia for over 40 years now and we're incredibly proud to embrace our 'Australian-only' nickname," said Mr Mark Lollback, chief marketing officer for McDonald's Australia.

"What better way to show Aussies how proud we are to be a part of the Australian community than by changing our store signs to the name the community has given us?"