Speakin’ the Lingo – Strine Users’ Guide
The Great Aussie tongue…
It has come to my attention (almost daily!) that there is a fair gap between the Aussie language and that spoken in the good ol’ US of A. And probably the rest of the English-speaking world…
And as my readers (hello you lot!) are almost half-and-half (Yanks and Aussies, with a few Kiwis and Canadians thrown into the mix) I thought it might be appropriate to follow on from this earlier effort in bridging the language barrier we seem to face. This is to be an interactive post – pinching some definitions I posted earlier and adding a few I’ve gathered from queries over the past couple of months. I’ll start, and then you suggest more and/or correct the previous offerings, and I’ll add to the below list as we go.
Let’s see what kind of fabulous ‘Strine User’s Guide we end up with!
SWEARING – The first thing is that NOT ALL Aussies swear. We seem to have a reputation for foul language but really, we are pretty much like anywhere else in the world. Gordon Ramsay was interviewed here recently and was aghast that Aussies could criticize his language. “For F***’s sake, it’s bloody AUSTRALIA!” he bellowed. Sure Gordon, and I do love your work, but seriously, we DON’T ALL SWEAR! The “Ocker” or exaggerated Aussies (like the characters Paul Hogan plays) come across as rough and ready in a deeper shade of blue. And there are some Aussies like that – they are generally known as “characters” or when particularly rough around the edges “real characters’.
But plenty of others are much more civilized. Like my Ma. She doesn’t swear. At all. There was that one time she said “Witch Bitch” when the proverbial had really hit the fan one day, but I don’t think we can count that, do you? Shocked the pants off me, but I recovered. And I cannot imagine Nicole Kidman talking trash, or our GG Quentin Bryce. Or our PM even. So no, we don’t all swear.
Me? I do swear on occasion. The odd “bloody” is very effective as an exaggerative device (is that even a word?) provided you don’t overdo it. For example: “That was a good show” versus “That was a bloody good show”. For impact, the latter wins hands down for me. My grandmother would lecture with a cheeky finger: “That means “By Our Lady, young woman” and it’s taking the Queen’s name in vain!”(The Queen or the Virgin Mary, one of the two!) I rarely use the F word. And certainly never the C word. My Mum did have some influence on me. (OK, there is the odd occasion if SSB has been swearing a bit much, and no kids are in earshot, where I will pepper my sentences with the F word just to shock my hubby into some manners again. He hates it when I swear!! Heh heh!).
This said, some of the words below will resemble swear words. Be warned.
I have also addressed some other words that clash (between our fine nationalities) and ones that have needed to explain on this blog. And this is an interactive thing, so I’ll post up the best suggestions and additions right here. These are in vaguely alphabetical order unless relevance overtakes.
Ready? Grab a cuppa and let’s get this party started!
ALFALFA
Aussie – little tiny sprouts one uses in sandwiches, salads and garnishes.
American –the crop which makes good fodder hay (and which Aussies call LUCERNE).
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BASTARD – can be a term of endearment or defamation, depending on it’s usage. For example, “You are a bit of a bastard” is a real put-down. On the other hand, “You are a complete bastard” can be quite a compliment.
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BITUMEN
Aussie for a sealed road (the hot tar and blue metal mix) or as Americans call it: Black Top or asphalt. Not to be confused with “bitchin’” which is a great Aussie pastime and also a positive descriptive. As in Bitchin’ Bitumen. And if you are used to driving on dirt roads, almost all bitumen is bitchin’.
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BLOKE – Aussie man, in parody often seen in stubbie shorts and thongs (flip-flops) but can be disguised as businessmen, stockmen (cowboys), and sometimes prime ministers.
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BOB’S YOUR UNCLE – everything is OK, fixed. As in “I’ll just finished tightening this screw and Bob’s your uncle!”.
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DRIZABONE – an oilskin raincoat, originally designed by a Scottish sailor, used mostly by horsemen (and women). I imagine it is taken from the words “Dry as a Bone”. It is heavy with a split in the back allowing the rider to sit astride his/her mount easily. Aside – if you want to see how much Aussies revere their sporting heroes, check this catalogue out featuring cricketer Brett Lee and rugby star Stephen Larcombe (see Wallabies). We take the worship of sports stars to new levels.
DUCK’s NUTS/Guts – excellent, giving someone or something a real rap: You are the Duck’s nuts!
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HINEY – caused this Aussie enormous confusion til it was explained that this is American for rear end, butt, anywhere from your belly button to your mid-thigh region. In Australia this section is known as the “backside” (and the front section, the *ahem* “fanny” region. So please stop using ‘fanny’ around Aussies, we will snicker every time. The name Fanny Mae is particularly amusing for some reason. Except, I spose, if you are an investor!)
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MATE – a special title bestowed up those who have proven their loyalty, integrity and (in the case of blokes) ability to throw a few cold ones down with you in times of need. As in “Good on ya, mate!”.
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OCKER – extreme Aussie character, who invokes the infamous Cultural Cringe in his/her fellow Australians.
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GET THE DRIFT – Catch my meaning, get the hint etc.
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RM WILLIAMS – a brand name for high quality (and relevantly priced!) clothing, footwear and horse-type gear. RM boots are quite famous – riding boots made from a single piece of leather with elasticized sides. (Our boot rack is overflowing with old RM boots.) Now worn by punters as much as a fashion statement as riding wear. The name of this company comes from the man who founded it – Reginald Murray Williams. He also lent his name to the Australia Stockmen’s Hall of Fame in Longreach. I met him once – I was young and impressionable, and he was an extremely charming old man and (I’m guessing) quite a handful in his day.
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SHEILA – a truly terrible word referring to Aussie women. Don’t use it, certainly never to someones face, especially if you are hoping for a half decent cuppa (usually tea or instant coffee). Not quite as bad as Bush Pig though.
SMOKO – nothing to do with cigarettes (well, not so much anymore) and more to do with a small meal – morning or afternoon ‘tea’. In a good Aussie bush home, your hostess might offer you tea or coffee with scones or pikelets (and lashings of jam and cream!).
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STUBBLE JUMPER – (Canadian) someone from the prairies
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TAKING THE PISS – an extremely Australian pastime, especially in the more regional areas where we must amuse ourselves more (less access to PS2 and malls). Involves telling very tall tales with an extremely straight face and seeing just how gullible the nearest visitor (townie, Pom or Yank) really is. All family members must be able to survive ‘having the piss taken’ (i.e. displaying a sense of humour about oneself), and will graduate to taking the piss when the sacred moment arrives (as decreed by an older sibling or cousin). Does not involve drug testing. Does not involve urinating.
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TAKING A LEAK – does involve urinating.
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HAVING A GO (at you) – see Taking the Piss. Can take the form ‘Having a lend (of you)’.
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HAVING A QUIET ONE – involves alcohol in initially low-noise-level surroundings.
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TAKING THE MICKEY – see Taking the Piss
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YANK – with great apologies to all Americans, this refers to you. It does not matter which state of your great nation you hail from – to us you are as one, and you are all Yanks. Do not take offence, it is usually meant with enormous affection. When we are taking the piss (see above) this reference can take on the rhyming slang offshoot: Septic Tank. Some connection here with “yank your chain” and taking the piss (above)? We still love you (see ‘Good Sport’ below!).
WALLABIES – not only a form of wildlife (like a small kangaroo) one of Australia’s world-beating sporting teams, in possibly the most important game of all (and the one they play in Heaven!): Rugby Union. Full of hulking good sorts and the odd doctor and lawyer.
and finally:
GOOD SPORT – the most important characteristic to have whether you are an Aussie, Pom, Yank, Kiwi etc etc. Doesn’t matter where you are from, as long as you can handle us “taking the piss”*, you’re officially a Good Sport, and all right with us.
OK Kids, your turn to drive … let me have it!! I promise to be a good sport!
BB
PS Karen alerted me to a great little online dictionary Aussie Slang – but try not to cheat!!
21 Comments
Jayne
Gawd Maud, fair suck of the sav!
You’d need a month of Sundays to explain the ins and outs of the duck’s bum of our lingo properly 😉
dykewife
the advantage of having once been a dart player, i knew many of your definitions. 🙂
speaking of which, (no offence meant to any of my ‘merican neighbours) but i would suggest that no aussie call a canadian a yank. i think you can call canadians pretty much anything but ‘yank’ and later for supper. 🙂
Leslie
G’day matey – I was so busy at work today that I flat out like a lizard drinking.
I’m putting my program up onto a website instead of the archaic system everyone else uses of writing it up on paper.
Save a ruddy tree, fellow teachers, and shove it up onto here.
Leslie
Crikey – and I’m so bushed I couldn’t even type in my URL straight.
Don’t click un the one up above, it’s cactus!
Click on this on – it’s all good. 🙂
debby
I like the ‘cultural cringe’ mental pictures. I have them regularly on behalf of all Americans. I’ll have to think on the colorful expressions. I enjoyed reading yours, and I do solemnly swear not to call you a Sheila. Although, I thought that ‘Pommie’ referred to a Brit transplant.
Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
DW – I am definitely NOT calling Canadians ‘Yanks’ (Pam set me straight there!) … what is the affectionate term for y’all??
Leslie and Jayne – you guys are crazy… I’ll add those ridiculous lines in soon (when I work out how to explain them properly). Who they hey says “Crikey” anymore? Cept Bindi Irwin?? God Bless her little cotton socks! Nice work girls..
🙂
BB
Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
Debby – look forward to your additions soon!!
Karen
What’s with “Bob’s your uncle”? (An unrelated piece of trivia, 70% of all Americans have an Uncle Bob)
debby
I’ll tell you what cracks me up every time I hear it: ‘Bless your little cotton socks.’ I don’t know why that tickles me so.
debby
Here, Canadians are called ‘Canucks’.
jeanie
Karen – just as a coincidence we actually have an American Uncle Bob also!!
Hughie has been kind to us today, but the cotton wool in my smokestack means I can’t think of anything witty or wise to add here.
dykewife
cannuck – canadian 🙂
i suppose there are some snooty types who don’t like anything other than the official moniker of ‘canadian’ but i’m happy being a cannuck.
there are also regional ones:
newfie – newfoundlander
stubble jumper – someone from the prairies
i’m a stubble jumper.
Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
OK – suggestions are up! Keep ’em coming guys… lovin’ your work!
BB
debby
Well, alphalpha is actually called alfalfa, never seen it any other way. The Cobb and Co (hitch) sounds like what we would call ‘jerry rigged’ or ‘jury rigged’ over here. I’ve seen it spelled both ways, but pronounced it ‘jerry rigged’ and had always supposed that was the way it was spelled. Not sure of the origins, but it means a temporary fix until it can be done right. Something that pops into my mind is an American saying ‘ah, he don’t amount to a pimple on a good man’s ass’, which means basically, that the man is nothing, a’tall. A stupid man is called ‘numb nuts’ and ‘smart ass’ and a ‘dumb ass’ are both insults. I can’t really think of anything more. Probably because I’m one of those weirdos without an Uncle Bob! Have a good ‘un!
A Novel Woman
And may I just say, I heart the Bush Babe!
I’m not able to give this post the time it deserves because:
1. Tomorrow is my deadline for a story I haven’t finished (ahem, begun) and
2. Eldest leaves for France tomorrow to visit her boyfriend and
3. My husband’s holidays start tomorrow and
4. We have a bank inspector coming tomorrow to look at our house for an assessment. In its current condition, ie with my three “adult kids” in charge, it looks like a truck stop after an all-nighter and I reckon it’s worth two, maybe three bucks at most.
I LOVE this post though. We Canadians usually just call ourselves Canadians, except when we jokingly refer to ourselves as Canucks. We HATE being lumped in with Americans, though we love Americans (but hate Bush). We matter so little in the U.K. that they don’t even care enough about the difference between Canadians and Americans to correct themselves. The most we can hope for is a shrug.
The biggest misconception about Canada is that it’s all wild bush and mountains and that it’s cold all the time.
However, we do have a lot of wild bush and mountains and it’s cold a lot of the time. Except in summer, when it’s brutally hot. We are a nation of extreme weather and we talk about weather a lot.
Autumn Kelly, the Canuck from the town next to me, recently married Princess Anne’s son, and was said to “come from the backwater village of Pointe Claire in Quebec” which pretty much sums up how the Brits feel about us.
Americans like to tease us about saying “eh” at the end of our sentences (we sometimes do that, but not as often as THEY think) and how we pronounce things words like “about” which they hear as aboot.
We celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday each May 24th with a “two-four” which is a case of 24 beers. Canadians love their beer. Love. Their. Beer.
Newfies (people from “The Rock” or Newfoundland) have been the butt of the joke for a long time, and the only ones who are allowed to use the term “Newfie” are Newfies.My husband’s mother is from there, and he has ship mates and captains from Newfoundland in the family tree, so he’s allowed.
First Nation People, Aboriginals, Native People…all are debated as to which is more P.C., but they themselves have reclaimed the word “Indian” and only they are allowed to use it. Much like African Americans now using the “n-word” in the U.S.
We are obsessed with hockey.
We are obsessed with politics and will debate it (and religion and issues like abortion) until the cows come home. I’ve found my friends in the U.S. are a lot more uncomfortable with this practice, and writhe uncomfortably as though attacking a point of view is akin to attacking them. They also don’t like it when we debate American politics, but we’re so influenced by our lovely neighbours to the south that we feel entitled, nay obligated, to do so.
Like Michael Jackson (lover not fighter) we prefer to be Peacekeepers. “Why can’t we all just get along hey, can I buy you a beer?” could be our rallying cry.
In Quebec, where I now live, there is also an ongoing (200 plus years) debate about language and language laws and we have Separatists fighting to leave Canada and create their own country. The French and English live side by side, but this hot button issue will never ever die.
I could go on, but I have a bathroom to scrub and a boy’s bedroom to shovel. Funnily enough, in our family we all say “Bob’s Your Uncle…and he IS” because we have two Uncle Bobs. However one is technically a grand-uncle, so he’s referred to as “Uncle-Uncle Bob”.
And finally, my nickname has always been Pommie, since my name, Pam, was unpronouncable to my baby brother who said “pomme” which is French for apple. I only found out recently that it’s not the best one to use in Australia.
Pam aka Pommie
Liz
I seriously enjoyed this post. I’m most certainly going to utilize ‘ducks nuts.’ Too funny! And if it makes you feel any better; I’ve never associated Australians and curse words. Your accents sound so CLASSY to me… of course I’m from the US, deep south… so I’m dealing with a whole different set of word usages. 🙂
Jenni
I knew quite a few of these, but I had no idea “sheila” was a negative term! I think FIL uses a bush hog to mow some of the rough areas that could tear up a regular mower. I didn’t know where “bloody” came from either.
What is a pikelet? I’m also unclear about Pom.
Dh has a drizabone.
Alfalfa is a hay crop here, but some of us also eat alfalfa sprouts on our sandwiches. So, they aren’t the same plant? I’ve wondered about that.
Hmmm…what else? I don’t think Yank is a bad term. True southerners might be more disturbed by it. I’m more of a midwest gal. We like everyone:o)
I think one of the most interesting things about Aussie slang is the rhyming slang. I get a kick out of that.
Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
DEB – spelling of alfalfa fixed (just trying to make it even more confusing!). Dumb Ass has been picked up here… thanks to some very bad American comedies I think. (we are bombared with Yank TV – although I do adore SATC, Grey’s Anatomy and SSB is a Two and a Half Men afficiando!).
PAM/POMMIE – Good heavens! I would hate to see how much you could throw together if you DID give me some serious consideration!!! Wow… much food for thought. I suspect that Aussie and Canadians have much in common (beer for one!) and I find there is a kind of unspoken connection wherever we go. But we are still hopeless at picking the accent!!! You will need to cut us some slack…
LIZ – you are the duck’s nuts for dropping by and commenting!! Thanks!
JENNY – rhyming slang must be a hangover from the Poms I think… I might need to add Billy Lids (Kids) and Hit the Frog and TOad (road)… catch you round (like a rissole!!).
🙂
BB
GeoGirlPhD
Now I’m wondering if I’m supposed to wear my fanny pack on the front or back of my waist? Hmmm….
Great post!
Melody C. (American trapped temporarily in England)
Missy
Dumb Ass has been adopted into our household, well has for a while, it is my horses nick name that hubby give him. Even comes to him if he calls out dumb ass, lol, dumb ass horse.
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