Aussie-isms UPDATED

Aussie-isms

I was chatting with Hannah the other day and she very wisely said, “Isn’t it funny how we speak the same language but use different words for everything?”  She was referring to me saying “gas” instead of “petrol” for the car.  It was a perfect example of the all-encompasing nature of language and culture and how you can’t learn one without the other.  On that note, I decided to list some of the terms they use here down under that differ from ours up north.  Feel free to post any others you think of!

American                                             Australian

Beets                                                   Beetroot

Napkins                                               Servilletes

Chicken                                               Chook

Shopping Cart                                     Trolley

Vacation                                              Holiday

I think                                                 I reckon

Take a look                                          Have a look

Gas                                                      Petrol (pronounces “Peh-trol with emphasis on peh)

Flip flops                                             Thongs

Sneakers                                              Trainers/joggers

Cookies                                               Biscuits

Crackers                                              Biscuits (that’s just silly to me!)

Trunk                                                   Boot

College                                                Uni

McDonalds                                         Maccas

Bathroom                                            Toilet

Sidewalk                                             Footpath

Trash                                                   Rubbish

Trash Can                                            Bin     

Candy                                                 Lollies

Purse                                                   Handbag

Wallet                                                  Purse  

Mosquito                                             Mozzies

Sunglasses                                           Sunnies

Redheads                                            Ranga/Bluey  

Zee (Z)                                                Zed

Porch                                                   Verandah