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Talkin' Aussie, or the Australian Language .... Australians, or "Aussies" as they call themselves, speak English with an amusing accent. They are generally easy to understand. But be aware. They have many unusual expressions and peculiar words for many things. Don't be alarmed. The following tips will assist you to have quite normal and rewarding conversations with every day Australians you will encounter.
Due to Australia's origins as a prison and the subsequent pride that Australians have in their convict past, many words that you would consider slang or suspect are refined expressions which you will be expected to use in the most polite company or in the best establishments. Remember you are on the underside of the world, so many things are the opposite to what you know them to be or are not as they would ordinarily seem! You will most likely meet real Aussies at a bar or public house, known in Australia as the "pub" which may be a stand alone establishment or attached to a hotel or restaurant. Here are some words and expressions which will make you and your hosts feel at home: *Schooner - a standard glass of beer: "I want my beer in a schooner." *Map of Tassie - a woman's purse: "Darling, where's your map of tassie." *Bludger - easy going patrons of the hotel: "Aussies are a legendary pack of bludgers." *Tart - the waitress behind the bar: "Hey, tart. Where's my beer." *Piss in my pants - response to a welcome or offer to buy a beer, called a "shout", and requires this response to be shouted back. *Piss in the bucket - the WC: "Wait a minute. I just want to piss in the bucket." *Cock - general reference to a gentleman. *Sheila - general reference to a lady. *Seppo - an American. Although said to be rhyming slang with yank - we can't understand why - it is possibly derived from the Marx Brothers who are very popular down under; you will be well received if you refer to yourself as a "Seppo". Australians are famed for their directness of speech and common use of the imperative form of address. Therefore expressions such as "Just get it for me" , "Listen, you" , "Look, mate" or "I want a beer now" are perfectly acceptable and not at all considered rude. Transportation also means something quite different in Australia. It refers to the method of arrival of settlers and convicts to Australia. As the country has only recently been settled and most people arrived by boat, it is a good idea when striking up a conversation with Aussies in the street to refer to them as boat people or "reffos" (What boat did you come out on , you reffo?) Aussies are proud of their convict or immigrant origins and will know the boat their ancestors came out on. Ask an Aussie if he is a "con-man" - a person of convict origins. They will be impressed at your knowledge of the country and its people. Please note that when travelling by public transport, all tourists are exempt from paying bus fares within the Sydney metropolitan area. Just inform the driver that you are an American and simply sit down. If the driver persists in requesting a fare either grin at him and wave an American flag or engage him in conversation (so that he can hear your accent) with questions such as 'What boat did you come out on, you reffo?' or 'Are you a con-man?' or 'Where can I meet some Abos for a drink?' It does costs money to travel the train system in Sydney but the State Rail Authority staff, politely known as "wogs" , can also act as guides and porters for no extra charge. If you want assistance in boarding a train with luggage you might say "chuck this on the train will you, my woggy mate". You can always earn an Australian's hospitality by using the word "mate" liberally in your speech prefaced by expressions such as up yours, mate! and you're a wanker, mate! Aussies will appreciate your sincere attempt to speak their colourful language. A great Australian past time is "wanking". To "wank" in the Aussie tongue means to enjoy oneself immensely. Aussies are laidback and easy going and admire the same qualities in Americans who are well known as a great bunch of wankers. If an Aussie approaches you in Sydney to ask your business, tell him you are having a wank (enjoying the sights), that you are a wanker from the States and are looking for some locals who you would like to have a wank with. That way you will blend in just fine in the Land Down Under on your upcoming trip to Australia. |