I was having an email conversation with Thea over the weekend which involved explaining a couple of Aussie slang words and expressions. I thought it might be nice to have a regular post on translating a quintessential word, phrase etc each week to try and help Aussify the world and maybe help with some confusion as to what we are really saying. With Mrs P's blessing I'm starting Translation Tuesday.
It's always interesting to hear the different pronunciations of English words around the globe, but in Australia especially we have our own take on the English language. Some words and phrases have developed from Cockney rhyming slang, others have developed because one of the things about Aussies is that we love to abbreviate. I'm sure it has something to do with the heat of summer here and the extra effort it takes to talk when it's so darn hot. Although, a one syllable word or name is often lengthened eg. John = Johhno. We're a strange bunch!
Or if you prefer, this one below
The inaugural Aussie Tuesday Translation word is
Oz
What better word to abbreviate than Australia. Australia has 4 syllables, that takes a lot of effort to say that, lol. A lot of Aussies blend syllables too, so it comes out sounding like Ozstraya. Most of the time we call it Aus, from there it's been shortened to the written version, Oz. So now you know why Aussies refer to their homeland as Oz and remember that when you pronounce the word "Aussie" you say it with a z not an s.
It's always interesting to hear the different pronunciations of English words around the globe, but in Australia especially we have our own take on the English language. Some words and phrases have developed from Cockney rhyming slang, others have developed because one of the things about Aussies is that we love to abbreviate. I'm sure it has something to do with the heat of summer here and the extra effort it takes to talk when it's so darn hot. Although, a one syllable word or name is often lengthened eg. John = Johhno. We're a strange bunch!
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| Image from here |
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| Love this map Image from here |
The inaugural Aussie Tuesday Translation word is
Oz
What better word to abbreviate than Australia. Australia has 4 syllables, that takes a lot of effort to say that, lol. A lot of Aussies blend syllables too, so it comes out sounding like Ozstraya. Most of the time we call it Aus, from there it's been shortened to the written version, Oz. So now you know why Aussies refer to their homeland as Oz and remember that when you pronounce the word "Aussie" you say it with a z not an s.
This looks like a fun series! I can't wait to see how many of the words I know or can figure out. I've lived most of my life in Michigan, but both my parents were born and raised in Australia, so I'm a little American/Australian bilingual :)
ReplyDeleteI think someone had explained that to me before, but I like to think of it (Australia) as the place with the Emerald City and the munchkins and the good witch and all that.
ReplyDeletethanks. I'm excited about the series! Can't wait to get Aussified!
Good on ya!
ReplyDelete(yes, we English think we know how you Aussies talk!)
I have a feeling this series is going to get really funny very quickly. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI am going to love this being a 'slanger' from way back. I also love the sayings we have like 'flat out like a lizard drinking' or 'a drovers breakfast'. So I am gonna 'shoot through' but I'll be back for a yarn later. Good onya Marg!
ReplyDeletelol - fantastic idea marg - there are sooo many goodies out there - you beudy!
ReplyDeleteYou little ripper now Thea will be able to understand what Lucy is saying to her :-)
ReplyDeleteOi oi oi Aussie Aussie Aussie! What a great idea, I'll be looking forward to Tuesday's now.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like map #2 :oD
ReplyDeleteYou should make it a linky party, and all us Aussies can pick a word or phrase and do a post on it. And someone in America can host theirs, and they can do the same thing for us :)
ReplyDeleteI like Thea's idea of us all living in Oz. Cant wait for the hilarity Im sure these posts will provide!
ReplyDeleteLove map number 2. I'm looking forward to the series. Drama Teen's goal in life at one point in time was to move to Oz. I'm not sure she still wants to move, but she'd really like to visit.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! We certainly have some weird lingo in Strayla.
ReplyDeleteP.S LOVE the sharks with friction' lasers.
G'day mate, I love this idea because I love using the Aussie slang wherever I can. Sometimes I even have to explain it to my kids!! We don't want to lose our unique language which is kind of becoming extinct as children are influenced by other language they see on movies and T.V. I will be tuning in each Tuesday to see your take on it Marg - it will no doubt be very humorous as is this post!!
ReplyDeleteI've personally been in the Steve Irwin Stingray area, but can't vouch for any frickin laser sharks, lol! The first slang word that really threw me was "daggy". Can't wait for your take on that one...
ReplyDeleteI love the maps! I look forward to your definitions, there are a lot of Aussies in Canada so I am sure it will help. I understand some slang but not nearly all.
ReplyDeleteGreat, Marg! I like Sara's idea of a linked-up party, but I don't know of too many American slang words.....
ReplyDelete