Aussie-isms

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

Ok, I'll start a thread too! :cool:

In an effort to help our non -Aussies understand our lingo, I'll start a thread on our slang words and / or words that are parculiar, common, here in Aust. So everybody, get onboard & add to the list...

MATE:

Yes, in Aust we REALLY DO use the word MATE.

The word MATE means; friend, pal, buddy. Some people call their spouse MATE, as in their BEST MATE.Or a BEST MATE can be someone you consider really special. It's common to hear; "G'day Mate", said as a greeting.I think the origin of the word stems from World War 1. I may be wrong here on that, but I believe I heard that somewhere. The "Diggers" used the word in reference to their; "MATE". Please anyone, correct me if this is inaccurate.

COBBER:

This is another AUSSIE-ISM. It also is used to describe a friend, pal, buddy. Not as frequently used as the word "MATE". But was VERY much an often used word back in the 40's & 50's. We also used to have lollies called COBBERS! LOL Anyone old enough to remember those?

Well.... I've started it.....

Cheers,

Grace :cool: :kiss

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Wow thanks for helping me get those two words straight! I am learning! So if I make friends with aussies then I can call them mates as well.........

renerian

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

Renerian,

You MOST definately CAN call us AUSSIES mate! :-)

As for you wanting to come & work here, why not contact an agency over there that might be able to facilitate you coming here to work? It might not be in Coffs Harbour, but one thing can lead to another. Just a thought. Good luck.

Cheers,

Grace

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Good on you Grace - l was just typeing away this very thought it would be a good thread - Your brillant mind bet me to it

I mentioned Strewth - Yous to be used as an expression of surprise - and there maybe other uses but thatwhat l mainly remember (as well as cobbers - when l was a little younger)

Dont hear strewth so much these days.

Cheers Tookie

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

STREWTH TOOKIE!

If you lived or worked with / near me, you'd be hearing it ALL the time!! LOL I get "ribbed" about my VERY AUSSIE expressions ALL the time. LOL

BUT... I don't care, as I said... I'm a PASSIONATE AUSSIE!! I resent enormously the erosion of our very own unique from of the said & written word.

Bugger me, look at the time, I've got to go...!!!

Cheers,

Grace

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My favorite aussie isms were dodgey and cosie (for bathing suit). I couldn't understand my australian friend until he translated for me!

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a few more:

Back of Bourke : a very long way away (I literally used to live in the 'back 'o' Bourke (outback NSW!)........

Bloody oath! : that's certainly true............

Brick s*** house, built like a : big strong bloke.........

Dinkum, fair dinkum : true, real, genuine ("I'm a dinkum Aussie"; "is he fair dinkum?")

:roll

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this thread is way too cool...more...more!....please mate!....LR

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Back of Bourke : a very long way away .....could also be known as BFE......here in US, but l would get banned if l translate what that means......LOL....:rotfl:

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Geez Tookie, I get Strewth all the time -- courtesy of my first name -- gets a little wearing cos everyone thinks they're the 1st one to come up with it!!

On the Back of Bourke line, there's also "beyond the black stump", "out past Woop Woop", ummmmm, can anyone think of any more?? (having a brain fart!)

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

I agree with you l.rae! I am loving this! Grace I looked into supplemental health care company. Maybe I will do that again. I would be so very excited if I could come there and work. I also would have to take some course as directed by the nursing board over there......

Thanks Mates!

renerian

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Originally posted by l.rae

Back of Bourke : a very long way away .....could also be known as BFE......here in US, but l would get banned if l translate what that means......LOL....:rotfl:

lmao...almost slipped on our county-wide radios...had been given pi$$poor directions..called in on the radio and they asked where i was...caught myself just before it came out...
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