FOREWORD
Third Language Dictionary of Australian Idiom, is a guide to the everyday language, which is peculiar to and used by Australian folk from all walks of life, no matter what or who they are or the level of success, education, credence or place in society they have attained.
The idiom in this dictionary is used prolifically across Australia, However, some slang words or idiom may differ slightly, from state to state.
Australian slang usage is found to be more predominant in the country areas as opposed to the city and urban areas.
Australian Idiom and Slang is based mainly on constriction of the English language. The slang component has been contrived over centuries of change in England and the decades of change by the early Australian pioneers, farmers, military personnel, and immigrants, particularly the English, Irish and German settlers, poets, writers, horse racing parlance indigenous people, working classes from all types of industries, the military forces; all of which have had some influence in forming this beaut (wonderful) language and continue to do so over time.
Some slang words fall into disuse become archaic and tend to be replaced by another slang word of the same inference, mainly due to various changes of principals, customs and technological or industrial and environmental situation.
The influx of new immigrants brings other languages and words of opportunity for the existing residents to extract new expressive idiom and in turn, create many new slang words or phrases. Basically, it is the young or the country people who bring reforms to the language and slang component.
The Aussie idiom is an inherent mix of metaphrase, derogatory exclamations, expressions of concern or amazement, insinuation, ridicule and jest. Many words do have converse meanings, of which, defy further analysis and an accepted fact is, that there is no consistency to the Australian language.
At times, many Australians like to use euphemisms of affectation or disguise; they like to hint, to allude to, in a manner that it becomes somewhat more difficult for foreigners and others to tell what it is that they are really saying or implying.
Therefore, given time and study one will discover that the Aussie language is challenging, not to be ridiculed but to be appreciated and admired for its interwoven directness, complexity, eccentricity and under lying humour.
Australians are known to be able to laugh at themselves, for ever humorously testing everyone else, be it in pleasant or adverse times.
Aussies' true traits Our Great Australian Values
Caring; Family; Honesty; Friendship Compassion; Humour / Fun; Respect Trust; Fairness; Responsibility (source: Australian Futures Survey)
It should be known and clearly understood that Australians lean very much towards the underdog or the under privileged person, the battler, the novice in sport; to others in times of disaster and need.
Because of these strong sentiments, the following criteria have evolved. It has become a national edict and the ethos that –
(1) It is Un–Australian not to give one a fair go (be equitable; fair–minded)
(2) It is Un–Australian to bag your mate (to cast aspersions)
(3) It is Un–Australian to dob–in (inform on) a mate (and if so; only when dire circumstance necessitates)
(4) It is Un–Australian not to pull your weight (do one's fair share)
(5) It is Un–Australian to disrespect, denigrate, physically or mentally assault women or to regard them as chattels or as unequals (be respectful, caring and above all treat them as equals)
(6) It is Un–Australian not to accept a person's performance, when he or she has given his / her, all (tried one's very best)
Australians place great stock in friendship; the Aussie concept of mateship!
Australian Disposition
(Aussies) have a characteristic trait of self–deprecation without inhibitions, making them more rational and less excitable; they express a mixture of frank obscenity–laden humour, brutal honesty and tend to 'tell–it straight–up' However, one aspect of Australians is that they have 'finely tuned bulldust detectors' within their senses; they are quick to identify a 'bulltish artist'. Aussie are outspoken; sincere people exuding a friendly, bold carefree laid–back disposition and positive attitude. They are unreserved people; further, Australians are obsessed with the use of sobriquets for just about everyone and everything. They imply genuine, friendly familiarity and affinity with people (particularly foreigners), things or places, a logic that, all people are on equal terms; there is no acceptance of class distinction or snobbery here; Australians think that they are as good as their masters no matter what their occupation or standing in society. Generally, what matters is, one's character and ethics.
The use of person's first names is the accepted rule and the use of the title 'Mister' is generally construed to be 'Mate' no disrespect or discourteousness intended.
The title 'Sir' is not used often, other than in a formal gathering, a court of law, school, military, etc. due courtesy is extended to eminent personage.
Australian (Aussie) Idiom
The Aussie idiom – slang, is an inherent mix of metaphrase, derogatory exclamations, expressions of concern or amazement, insinuation, ridicule and jest. At times, it is regarded as being inferior or a vulgar, crude, abusive, irreverent, politically incorrect language.
For example, the words 'bastard', ''bloody', 'bugger' or 'shit', used mainly as intensifiers, to emphasise or stress the strength of an exclamation or assertion i.e.;
bastard; 'He's an out and out bastard' inferring, he is a real bad or mean or selfish person (nothing to do with the legitimacy of his berth)
blood or bloody; 'Blood oath' or 'Bloody oath' mate, indicates strong affirmation or agreement of something or confirmation of the completion of a task.
Bloody emphasises one's anger or disagreement or dislike or awe it is used to strengthen the ambiance of one's feelings.
bugger; 'Don't bugger about mate' – be serious in your endeavour, don't procrastinate, get on with it, do it now.
shit; an expression of abuse; anger; awe; criticism; difficulty; disappointment; disgust; dread; enjoyment; frustration; humiliation; indifference; mild curse; negative; sorrow; surprise; sympathetic response
The Australian Lingo is prone to being one of mischief has the ability to undermine, confuse, belittle, degrade, malign and amuse with a propensity for laughing at oneself or someone else, without really meaning any disrespect An Aussie might address somebody and say 'G'day Buggerlugs', which is a mock abusive taunt used as a friendly or fond term or greeting or used at the moment, when one can't remember someone's name; no impudence intended
slang; stylised rhyming slang
A form of slang comprised where the last word of a phrase rhymes with the word which is really meant, such as blood and blister = sister or dog's eye and dead horse = pie and sauce
Rhyming slang is generally used by men singularly or in groups such as the military services or in clubs and hotel bars, offices and elsewhere.
It appears that we have inherited this trend from our English Cockney cousins, particularly, the London Cockney–EastEnders; to them it is common everyday language.
Australians have stylised rhyming slang to suit their own idiom.
example:
(1) "We are going down the frog and toad to the rubbity dub through the Rory O'Moore and will breast the near and far and order a couple of Al Galea's and we won't get elephants trunk."
'Too bloody right mate' translation:
"We are going down the road to the pub (hotel) through the door, breast the bar and order two beers and we won't get drunk."
'Yeah, absolutely we will, and with great gusto (pleasure) too, mate!'
(2) "He's me china plate = mate"
"I'm going for a snake's hiss = a piss" or "Get on the dog and bone = phone" or "An oxford scholar = a dollar"–"a tin tank = a Yank" or "Mal Malinger = a finger"
slang; elliptical rhyming slang elliptical slang is that in which the rhyming word is omitted, as in
(a) Captain Cook = look, shortened to 'Captain'
(1) "Here ya go mate, have 'a captain' (look) at this letter and tell me what ya think".
(b) elephants' trunk = drunk and butchers hook = crook (sick or bad), shortened to elephants and butchers, respectively
(2) "Are you okay to drive Remo, you look a bit 'elephants'?"
'No, she's sweet (I'm fine) mate! I haven't been pissing–on (drinking); I've just been a bit 'butchers' = crook = sick that's all; apart from that's I'm good to drive'.
Variation
What's in a name?
That which fits in with diminutive naming system in Australia The Australians have tendency to substitute the surnames of individuals, events or titles with an "o" or "i.e." or "y"
(a) Any person bearing the name of Thompson, Robinson, Dickson, Clarke, Jackson, Simons etc.; become: 'Thomo', 'Robo', 'Dicko', 'Clarko', 'Jacko' or 'Simo'; Murray becomes 'Muzzo'.
One needs to balance only names that will flows off the tongue without wavering on an "o" or "i.e." sound
(b) Person bearing the names, Smith, Jones, Black, White, Hill or a Fireman, etc.; become
'Smithy'; 'Jonesy'; 'Blacky'; 'Whitey'; 'Hilly' or a 'Firey'
(c) Jarryd Roughead is known as 'Roughie'; Rowe becomes, 'Rowie'; a Truck driver becomes a 'Truckie'; a Taxi cab driver becomes a 'Cabbie'; a Police officer = a Flatfoot = a 'Flattie'; Robert becomes Robo or Robbie.
Other names which can't be interfered with by "o" or "i.e." sound such as, Oboe or Edward are generally left alone; however sometime times, a nickname will be the substitute for them.
Edward can become 'Ed or Eddy'; Carol or Caroline become 'Caro'; Jane becomes 'Janie'
(d) Motor Vehicle Registration, becomes 'rego'; pregnant, becomes 'prego'
aptronym or aptonym–an apt name
a word synonymous of people whose names, situation or occupation such as their profession, have a close correspondence or a personal name aptly or bizarrely suited to its owner, is amusingly appropriate "when the name fits the job"
e.g. Doctor Sin . ... a priest
Sarah Blizzard. ... meteorologist
Harold Ledger. ... accountant
Usain Bolt. ... a sprinter
Sue Coffin. ... an undertaker
David Bird. ... ornithologist
Paul Constable. ... Policeman
nick name
sobriquet, a name informally given to a person place or thing etc, in replacement of their own christen or surname, or an occupation or that of an object or article name
nick names;
descriptive of a person who procrastinates
(a) the coat hanger (b) mirrors
(c) the boomerang
(1) "The coat hanger, he is the one who always says, 'Hang about'
(2) "Mirrors, he is the one who says – 'I'm looking into it'"
(3) "Boomerang, he is the one who says – 'I'll get back to you; and never does'"
argot = the jargon of a class
incomprehensible words, gibberish; appalling or desecrated language; mode of speech full of distinctive, idiosyncratic, unique unfamiliar terms
Spectrum of Australian English
a continuum along which the variant pronunciations of Australian English are ranged. The position of a person's pronunciation on the spectrum is determined by the habitual choices he makes; four areas are commonly delineated; Broad, General, Cultivated and Modified (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)
Broad Australian
that pronunciation of Australian English which is least acceptable as a prestige form and in which the characteristics of Australian pronunciation are at their most extreme (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)
General Australian
that pronunciation of Australian English adopted by the majority of Australians (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)
Cultivated Australian
that pronunciation of Australian English which serves as a prestige form.
(Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary1981)
Modified Australian
that pronunciation of Australian English which seeks to imitate British upper classes speech, usually considered affected and unacceptable (Source book; The Macquarie Dictionary 1981)
Australian accent
The Aussie accent is basically divided into three categories of usage, being:
1. General, fifty per cent (50%)
2. Broad, thirty–nine per cent (39%)
3. Cultivated, eleven per cent (11%)
The General accent is expected to rise exponentially with the influx of thousands (heaps) of immigrants over the early part of the twenty first century, with steady growth thereafter.
Literary and Grammar Terms
acronym: an acronym is a smooth flowing word formed from initials or groups of letters of a phrase; e.g., – 'ANZAC'' from, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps or that of pushing the 'STEM' = 'Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics'
Whereas abbreviations such as USA (United States of America), NSW (New South Wales) or QLD (Queensland), do not flow into a usable word of phrase, therefore are known as, 'initialisms'
analogy (a–nal–o–gee)
relationship; similarity; resemblance; equivalent; figure of speech; simile; correlation; link; comparison; likeness; match; symbol; accordance; approximation; likening the comparable resemblance between two things on which a comparison may be made; also, a slight or moderate similarity in particular circumstances on which a comparison maybe formed examples:
clock = ticker = heart
clock = face = dial = face = moosh
clock = strike = punch = to clock someone in the dial = face
fuck = intercourse = root = sex
heart and the Clock = ticker
heart and the pump = thump = steal
proboscis = trunk = snout = snozzle = nose
penis = prick = a sexual connotation to penetrate
penis = prick = obnoxious person or thing
pickle = quandary or pickle = dill = idiot = dill = drongo = fool
prick = thrust = offensive = abusive = of a male = a prick
root = delve = prod = poke = enter = intercourse
root = dig = delve = root around = act foolish
shoestring = live on a shoestring = meagre income = survival
antonym: an antonym is a word which means the opposite of another word. e.g., 'like is the antonym of hate'
colloquial: speech, phrases and writing are informally used, more so, in conversation
dialect: a form of language or pronunciation of words spoken in a particular area
dictionary: a language book or electronic data, that lists words in alphabetical sequence with their meanings, pronunciation and usage
idiom: The language of connotation, mode, vernacular; the distinctive expression peculiar to the language of a country or people, e.g. 'he has a flea in his ear' (he's angry)
idiom; Australian (Aussie) Idiom: Aussie idiom – slang, is an inherent mix of metaphrase, derogatory exclamations; expressions of concern or amazement, insinuation, ridicule and jest. At times, it is regarded as being eccentric; inferior or a vulgar, crude, abusive, irreverent or politically incorrect language
jargon: vocabulary meaningful only to a particular profession, trade or group e.g., military jargon, medical jargon, sports or office jargon
semantics: the methodical study of meanings of words in language
simile: (sim–ill–ee)
(a) a figure of speech relating to the comparison of one thing to another, of a different kind, e.g. 'as a man like an ox (of strength)' or 'agile as a monkey (nimble)'
(b) an expression in which a person or object is depicted as being comparable to someone or something else
(c) analogous, comparison, facsimile, procedure, guise, appearance, resemblance, symbol
similitude:
a person or thing resembling the like or counterpart or equal of another; an allegory; the characteristic of the circumstance of being similar
sobriquet: a nickname
synonym: a word identical or comparable in meaning to another 'unhappy is a synonym of sad'
syntax: the syntax of a language is its rules in the way its words are arranged, into sentences and phrases
theme: short informal essay; a topic or a musical composition, theme song or tune
vernacular: (say, ver–nak–yoo–lar) the accepted formal or informal language of a country, used locally or in everyday speech
