Understanding Common Australian Vernacular Essential for Travelers
Do you comprehend the distinction between "sure thing" and "not likely"? Or perhaps " Police sirens" from " lose your Cool"?
Across the English-speaking globe, they've become renowned for shortening words like sunglasses to sunnies, swimsuit to swimmers, afternoon to arvo – the list goes on.
And over time, Australian slang has become a source of amusement online – with expressions frequently turning into TikTok crazes (Not you, Cleo!) or permeating mainstream culture.
Amanda Laugesen, chief editor of the Australian National Dictionary, via the Australian National University (ANU) told CNN Travel that many Australian expressions trace their roots to British English, but Australian English has also uniquely incorporated words from the country's Indigenous languages.
Egalitarianism and defiance toward authority have become recurring themes in the language as it has evolved, Laugesen explains.
If you're attempting to secure citizenship, or simply planning to visit the land down under, these are some genuine Aussie expressions that you'd be foolish to ignore.
Have a chat
In Australia, to "have a chat" is another way of saying to engage in a conversation. To engage in a chat is simply, to have a conversation.
A chat on its own is a tale. For instance, someone might "have a chat for you."
Hard labor
According to the ANU, yakka signifies labor – or strenuous effort.
The term originated from "yaga," which means "labor" in the Yagara language – the traditional language of the Yagara people who reside in the area around what is now known as Brisbane.
Sure, not really
Aussies have a tendency to utilize "sure" as a term before continuing their thought. However, it becomes puzzling when trying to determine if someone is saying yes or no.
Therefore, "sure, not really" means no.
"Will you be coming to the beach today?"
"Sure, not really – I don't think so."
Crazy
Australians frequently use this term to express dismay at a situation.
On occasion, it's also utilized as "crazy Brussel sprouts!"
Remote location
The phrase Australians use to describe a place far removed from them.
It's typically rural, and sometimes the term implies that it's a backward place, as well.
"They're living out in the boonies."
Suffering from anxiety
That's what numerous young Australians refer to as feeling a bit anxious.
Or if you're really overthinking a situation, you might say you're "on edge."
Be quiet
Simply, cease talking.
However, in true Aussie culture, it's not particularly offensive.
Insist he's dreaming
This term stems from an iconic Australian film, "The Castle," where the main character, Daryl Kerrigan, defends his home against the bank's attempts to buy it to construct a new airport.
Every time Kerrigan makes an offer, he has a simple retort for his home: "Insist he's dreaming!"
Now, this phrase has infiltrated Australian culture and is frequently used in response to a seemingly preposterous request.
Laugessen told CNN Travel that by the end of the 19th century, Australians began to truly embrace their own distinctive accent and language, which "distinguishes Australians from the British."
"Most of that is quite colloquial and is quite informal," she says. "Embracing what we would now consider (mild swear words) as being distinctively Australian."
Lose control
One example of this informality is the expression "lose your cool."
It sounds off-putting, but it doesn't mean what most might think.
To lose your cool is to lose self-control, effectively another way of saying "had a fit."
Most impressive
If someone's the "most impressive," they're the best.
This expression implies something being exceptional.
Persevere
In Australia, a persevering person is called a "battler."
According to the ANU, it describes a person with "few natural advantages, who works diligently and with little reward, who struggles for a living (and who displays courage in doing so)."
Calm down
Simply: relax. Calm down is a way of telling someone to calm themselves.
Work like a lizard drinking
Working as hard as possible on a particular task.
For example, if someone calls you while you're at work, you might reply with: "Can't talk, I'm working like a lizard drinking."
No fuss
No worries, don't worry about it, all good.
All is well
According to the ANU, Australian English often utilizes the feminine pronoun "she," whereas standard English would use "it."
All is well essentially just means everything is all right.
Uncultured person
In Australia, an uncultured or unsophisticated person is referred to as a "bogan."
According to the ANU dictionary, the term was once an insult, but has recently become more widely used in contexts that "are neither derogatory or negative," according to the Australian National Dictionary.
The origins of the expression are unclear. It's thought that it may derive from the Bogan River, a river in Western New South Wales – but the ANU said it's likely unrelated. It became popular in Australian culture after it was used in the 1980s television show "The Comedy Company."
At the 2002 Winter Olympics, Steven Bradbury trailed at the rear of the group in the men’s 1,000-meter short-track speed skating final. Suddenly, the leader of the pack fell, causing a domino effect that took out the other athletes ahead.
Seizing this opportunity, Bradbury sprinted past the chaos and clinched the gold medal, making him Australia's first-ever Winter Olympics champion. This incident has since become a famous cultural symbol for Australians, and the phrase “do a Bradbury” is used to describe unexpected success.
If someone fails to get what they want and becomes upset, they are said to "have a sook". An elegant expression borrowed from the British, "sook" has its roots in the verb "to suck". It's a common term in Australian English, particularly when someone doesn't fulfill expectations.
A "chook" is just another name for a chicken, popular in Australia due to the availability of roast chooks in supermarkets and the frequent chook raffles in pubs and clubs. This humble bird has a rich history, with the term being first recorded as 'chuckey' in 1855.
There's an Aussie phrase, "I didn’t come down in the last shower!", used to assert one's intelligence. It can be a response to someone underestimating your wisdom or a way to express surprise at simple instructions, implying you've got more experience and shrewdness than they think.
A unique Australian phenomenon is the desire to shorten words by adding an "o" or "ie". For example, "servo" for service station, "ambo" for ambulance officer, "bottle-o" for alcohol shops, and "arvo" for afternoon, derived from avocado.
- ANU
- Oxford English Dictionary
- ABC
Highlights:
- Unexpected victory: Steven Bradbury wins the 2002 Winter Olympics in the men’s 1,000-meter short-track speed skating final
- Aussie Slang: Australians use colorful language, such as “do a Bradbury”, “have a sook”, “chook”, “I didn’t come down in the last shower!”, and word shortening
Conclusion
Understanding Aussie slang opens up a vibrant and creative culture. The unique language is woven into everyday life and plays a significant role in conveying emotions and experiences. From the inspirational victory of “doing a Bradbury” to the common use of “have a sook”, Australian slang provides a colorful commentary on the country's history, values, and identity. And don't forget the "Aussie o's" - word shortening comes naturally to Australians, who delight in creating new expressions every day!
After exploring the diverse world of Australian slang, it's time to put that knowledge into practice during your trip down under. You might find yourself ordering a "chiko roll" at a local fair, or perhaps expressing surprise at a situation by exclaiming, "I didn't come down in the last shower!"
Moreover, if you happen to visit a remote location, you might encounter individuals who refer to themselves as "battlers," acknowledging their hard work and perseverance in the face of challenge.
Remember, if you ever struggle to control your emotions while traveling in Australia, the phrase "calm down" will come in handy, providing a gentle reminder to take a breath and keep your cool. In the end, embracing Australian slang not only adds an exciting flare to your travels but also offers an insight into the unique cultural makeup of this fascinating country.
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