Jan 16, 2004 01:38 PM
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(Updated Jan 16, 2004 01:38 PM)
This is the essential read for any person who has ever visited Australia, plans to visit Australia or has watched an Australian soap opera or movie. Here I shall attempt to teach the subtle intricacies of the Australian language. A skill which took me many years to master. Ever wondered what that Steve Irwin Fellow goes on about with his ‘Crikeys!’ and his “Fair dinkims” as he tries to convince the world that dangling a child over the jaws of a crocodile is ‘fair go’ in his situation?
Or why Russell Crowe insists on referring to his child as a ‘little nipper’ when we all know that the kid is too young to have teeth. Its simple really, these modern day Australian icons are enlisting the help of an English dialect known as ‘Strain’ (it’s like pronouncing Australian by omitting the Au and the middle al…say it…Strain.)
So in this little rev, I shall endeavor to translate for you some of the more common phrases and colloquialisms you may need to memories if you feel the need to venture into this side of the fair world. Here’s the list
G’day mate: Pleased to make your acquaintance
Or
Howya goin’? : May I enquire about your welfare?
Whadayawant?: Might I enquire about your needs?
Your Shout!: If you value your well being, you should buy the next round of drinks
He’s Blotto: He’s inebriated beyond the capacity to stand up.
Pissed: Same as above
Pissup: A party with a lot of drinking and loud music.
Wanna rage?: Do you want to drink vast amounts of alcohol until we both collapse?
Crikey: Words fail to describe the astonishment I’m feeling.
Fair Dinkium: yes, of course I’m telling the truth
You Little Ripper!: Your brilliance astounds me
He’s a gun: He is stupid, but very entertaining.( usually used to describe Shane Warne)
Shut ya pie hole: I believe it is time for you to be silent
Rack off: your presence is no longer required
On ya bike: same as above
Go on: I’m not entirely convinced you know what you are talking about
Pull ya head in: You may be correct in your assertion, but do shut up.
You pong: Dear me! We do smell don’t we.
Have a chunder: you may feel a bit better after you regurgitate.
Wanna cuppa? Do sit and have a cup of tea with me
Sheila: A woman
Bloke: A man
Little nipper: A Child
Dingo: A wild dog (or what occasionally steals a little nipper)
Now read, revise and memorize. If you plan to travel to Australia, take a print out of this rev and keep in a handy, safe position so that you can refer to it at all times. You will probably get along fine without my help in the city areas, but if you intend on traveling to country Australia, I’m afraid this will not be of much use to you, as I can barely decipher 1/10 of all their idioms. I tend to just smile and nod…a little trait I picked up while studying physics, another situation where I could only work out 1/10 of the ideas being presented.
I sincerely hope this review was of use to you. If you have any other Aussie expressions you need translated, drop me a note and I’ll try my best.
Cheers Dee
