Australians love to shorten everything and they create their own vocabulary and phrases too. Here are some we've learned over time:
Barbie - short for barbecue party. Traditionally, the guys barbecue sausages, chicken, lamb, beef while they talk about cricket or tennis or the latest sports news over beer. The ladies prepare the rest of the meal - salads/coleslaw, side dishes, dessert, set the table and clean up afterwards.
Esky - the OZ version of "cooler", an insulated ice chest to hold tinnies.
Tinny - usually refers to a can of beer.
Lollies - candies, chocolates, sweets
Mackies - Mc Donalds
Serviette - table napkins
Pav - short for pavlova. The merengue dessert, topped with cream, passionfruit, berries and other fresh fruit in season.
Hello, how are you? - usual greeting for everyone - family/friends/office colleagues/acquaintances/cashier/train mates and sometimes even strangers. It is just polite to answer that and greet them back.
Your shout! - Buy me a drink! Don't ever accept a shout unless you intend to make your shout soon after.
No worries. - the OZ version of "You're Welcome" when someone says "Thank You".
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
OZ Language 101
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2 comments:
Now you're getting the hang of it! :)
Well done! I agree, "Your shout" means "buy me a drink" (as shout is the slang of "to buy drink") however, it can be really anything.. the bottomline whoever gives the shout will pay :-) Hey, you forgot "Hit the road" too (hehehehehe).. For sure you'll learn more and without knowing it, you're already speaking the colorful language of the true blue Ozzie's :-) See yah matey!
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