Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Slang

I've met people from all over the world, drawn to each other by common outlooks on travel and adventure. Often conversation trends towards accents and slang words. Endless time can be spent repeating each other trying to echo the accents.

Most Aussie slang can be understood by taking off a syllable or two and adding an 'o' or a 'y' to the end of the word. Apparently, according to my friend A.H. this is the same style as the Cockney slang. Must be something related to the prison background. I have yet to figure out if this is something that shouldn't be brought up or it should with pride. I'm sure there is more but because so much of conversation is actually non-verbal sometimes I don't pick up when slang is being used because the context is clear.

Some slang I've easily adopted:
'Oz' Pertaining to the land of Australia
'Aussie' An Australian, also a way of doing things that is distinctly Australian.
'No Worries' It doesn't matter, also used as you're welcome
'Ta' Thank you. I love this one because it sounds so similar to 'Tea Da' how I used to say thank you as a child.
'Roo' Kangaroo
Kiwi Someone from New Zealand
Sunnies Sunglasses

Others I've heard:
'She'll be apples' It's okay. It will work out.
'Seppo' An american. Insulting. A nickname for Americans is Yankee which can be shorted to Yank. That rhymes with septic tank and shortened to Seppo.
'Arvo' Afternoon
'Relo' Relatives
'No dramas' The younger version of 'No worries'. Slang of the slang as it were.
'Ranga' A redhead. Short for orangutans.
'Squib' Coward. Something those of us in the SAAG Meetup (Sydney Action & Adventure Group) group refuse to be.
'Middy' A drink of middle size.
'Maccas' McDonalds
'Bottlo' Liquor store
'Chips' french fries in the States
'Westie' Someone from the western suburbs. Insulting use: uneducated, not classy.
'Fair Dinkum' genuine
'Footy' Either Rugby, Australian rules football, or soccer. I have no idea which.
'On ya mate' Not sure and didn't ask. Seemed sarcastic.
'Jumper' Sweater, sweatshirt, light jacket, or cardigan depending on what is needed.
'Servo' Gas station
'Loo' or 'Dunny' Toilet
'Knackered' Tired
To easy Said when taking someones phone number or answering any kind of question
Blow'n A blow in, a commuter or someone not from the area

Ones I'm waiting to hear:
'Beano' A celebration
'Chinwag' A conversation
'Jingoes' surprise
'Rack off' Go away
'Billabong' Watering hole

1 comment:

  1. 'on ya mate = good on you mate and is NEVER sarcastic. Except when you make a fool of yourself doing something simple or easy.

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