30 Interesting Australian Words And Phrases That Foreigners Find Adorable

by Damjan

Any live language evolves over time, with different regions/groups/subcultures taking it in different directions. So, when we say Australia, what are the first few things that come to mind?

If preconceptions were to be believed, you would have imagined deadly fauna, koalas, kangaroos, loud yet friendly residents, world-class surfing, barbeques, and having a fantastic time at the beach. However, Australia is much more than what we see in movies, television shows, and the news.

And language plays a significant role in its magic. Although we all speak English, Australians have a plethora of colorful words, amusing idioms, breathtaking slang, and some absolutely magnificent linguistic liberties that rival the country's tremendous biodiversity.

We looked all over Twitter to see how non-Australians responded when they heard some of these amusing phrases, as well as a few other intriguing Australian facts. It was a fun task.

We adore cultural oddities. We've selected 30 of the most interesting posts that can be found on Twitter, and we know you are going to love them.

Of course, you should keep in mind that some of these phrases are merely the internet having a good time. The purpose is not to ridicule or insult, but to celebrate that wonderful country and its people.

1. Hey, mate!

lewisshields

2. Like, right now? That so ..... me off...

itsmegenesis13

3. Potato gems

LynzyLab

4. Chooks

LaurenPidduck

5. Christmas bon-bons

itsmilliejones

6. Lets stop at the Bowser...

jdstiffler

7. That can be so confusing...

ellen_28x

8. Sausage dogs...

shannex_

9. Bush walking

crystalstormz

10. Those Australians sure love to celebrate...

e1cowie

11. It somehow makes sense...

sophcw

12. Fairy floss

candace_hanley

13. Brolleys

mistydemeo

14. Urns..

PaladinAmber

Lisa McLendon from the University of Kansas is a professor of Journalism and Mass Communications and the coordinator of the Bremner Editing Center at KU. She says that "Any living language is always changing, and different regions/groups/subcultures take the language in different directions," and adds that geography is also a "significant factor" in language evolution.

"Some new words and phrases catch on quickly because they refer to something new: an object, an action, a job. Think about all the terms surrounding social media that didn’t exist 10 or 15 years ago. When a new thing comes along, we have to call it something."McLendon explains that popularity via media can be another way how slang spreads."But then there are slang words and words that shift in meaning. Sometimes those move into the mainstream from a specific region, group, or subculture. How? One way is media: say a popular TV show, movie or song uses a word—lots of people are then hearing the word and it can make the transition from niche to national."

15. It is a big country...

LexyMors_

16. Tasty prawns...

BayleeBalazs_

17. Slippery dips

ReidParker_

18. Well, look at the bright side, at least we...

sally_ayas

19. Kangaroos are everywhere...

mmmmb24

20. Docos can’t ever be boring...

chapel3929

21. The spicy cough

tomgara

22. Whirlywinds...

faithpenny_

23. Goons

arjona777

24. Mozzies for Aussies

jhemdanai

25. Sunnies

labradley34

26. Removalists...

findingascia

27. Sproodles

chris_mandle

28. Whipper snippers

deathbomb420

29. Quazzaaaaaap?

LeederGlenn

30. Austronauts

heybonanos

But not all expressions can claim to be long-lasting. Some are only fads that slip into obscurity far too fast, while others become ingrained in the language's DNA.

What makes some words more appealing? Is it the way they are pronounced, or is it the meaning?

No matter what the reason is, they are wonderful because they contribute to diversity. We don't want to live in a world where all people and languages are the same.