Since living in Darwin I have noticed a few differences between words and sayings and their meanings in Australia in comparison to their meanings in England.
I thought I would review a few of them now and see if there are any words or phrases that you have noticed mean different things in different places and countries. Do you interpret them in the same way as I do or do you have different meanings for the same phrases?
How You Going?
This is often used as a greeting, some people don’t even say Hi or Hello, you can pick up the phone and the first thing the caller will say is “How you going?” This was a strange concept for me to start with and would often have me hesitating before answering.
I’m now used to it but can’t get used to saying it first for some reason, i’m a Hi or Hello girl through and through still! The Aussie apparently also thought it was weird that I would ask if he was ok when he called me and this is I’m told completely different to asking how you going – what do you think?
I have also had the following conversation:
Me – Hello Vicky speaking
Caller – How you going?
Me – I’m good thanks, how are you?
Caller – I’m good to, how are you?
Me – trying to hide my laughter
Good On Ya
I didn’t notice this one so much until one of our lovely American friends was talking about phrases she had noticed people in Darwin saying and when she mentioned it, I realised that yes it’s a phrase I often hear being said and just like a pat on the back, good on ya means as you would imagine, well done!
Flick you an email
I’m not sure where this phrase comes from but I’ve been told a couple of times that someone would “flick me an email”. My bank even has a money transfer system where you can flick money using your phone. I do find this one a bit strange and still send people emails rather than flicking them one!
Maccas
This isn’t a reference to Paul McCartney as you may think (apparently Kanye West has made him famous or something, say what!?!),it is actually referring to the golden arches of McDonalds. Whilst some phrases I just can’t get my head round saying I do frequently call McDonald’s Maccas since moving to Darwin.
No Drama
This is not a request for you to wind back the drama! It just means no problem or don’t worry that’s easy to do.
Too Easy
The first time someone told me something I was asking them to do was too easy, I asked them to repeat what they said. I mentioned to someone what had been said and was told that it basically means yes, I can do that or no problem.
No Worries
As it says on the tin this just means don’t worry I can do that. I do say this often, maybe to much as I catch myself saying it. I often wonder if I shouldn’t say this so much.
Thongs
Last but by no means least I could not talk about Aussie sayings or words without mentioning thongs. I will always know them as flip flops and I wear them pretty much every day but I can’t get used to calling my not always so fancy footwear, thongs. I wonder where this name came from?
Ilona K. says
It is probably beautiful in Australia, I’ve never been there. I am originally from Europe but I spent many years in US and now I live in Canada. I am happy to have this opportunity to visit many places. Maybe I will go to Australia some day. I agree some words have different meanings in different countries.
Vicky @ the Outback Expat says
You definitely should visit Australia, what I have seen so far has been amazing and I never thought I would visit here let alone move here as well 🙂
Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons says
My brain would have been so confused had I had the conversation that you listed above! x
Vicky @ the Outback Expat says
I do sometimes wonder how many times you could go round in circles with these questions!
Jessica Meddows says
Ah, this made me laugh so much Vicky 🙂 Shawn struggled with many of these words and phrases too. He said the “how’s it going?” really threw him at first – he wondered why everyone wanted to where he was going! hehehe. The other words I use that confused him at first were “tracky dacks” (tracksuit pants) and “occy straps” (apparently called bungee cords in Canada lol). He thinks us Aussies just make things up as we go – not assisted by the time I told him common birds in Australia were called jabberwockies. hehe.
Vicky @ the Outback Expat says
Hahaha I know exactly how Shawn felt!! I forgot tracky dacks!!!! I might have to do a follow up post on this subject when I have some more as there is bound to be more 🙂 Don’t forget the place names too, I love I live near Humpty Doo!
Amanda says
Haha, isn’t it funny how different phrases are in different places? I moved from the north-end of Ontario (Canada) to the south-end, and people would laugh at the different phrases/words I used. But I didn’t cross any boarders, so why were things so different?
I’ve never had anyone say “How You Going?” to me, but I have had people ask “What are you saying?” (which basically means the same thing: a greeting or like “how are you?”). At first I was like… “Ugh…What? I didn’t say anything…?” until I finally caught on 🙂
Vicky @ the Outback Expat says
I’m glad i’m not the only one who gets confused by these things!! I confuse matters by speaking fast as well apparently hahah
Andi Fisher says
Love these! I have an ex-boss who is Australian and he lives in Sydney and comes back to San Francisco a few times a year, I am going to use these on him!
Vicky @ the Outback Expat says
Haha yes you must!! I keep hearing more every so often so I might have to do a round up again in a few months!