Assimilation & Australian Slang

[Spec8472]

Seems some of the slang used is getting confused with Brit or American slang. Either that, or Queenslanders really are weird.

One of the terms used in Chapter 1 was "About as much fun as a shag on a rock" ... which seems to be confusing the Brittish term of Shag (To Fornicate/Copulate) with the Australian expression of 'feeling like a Shag on a rock'.
The Australian expression is one of exhaustion, rather than implied expression of discomfort. The expression comes from the Black Cormorant also called a Shag, which after diving for food stands on a nearby rock drying it's feathers, looking utterly exhausted.

There was also the 'Busy as a one armed Bill Poster in a gale' -- which *might* be Australian, but the only version I've heard locally is 'Busy as a one armed Nailer' ... similar, but pretty rare. Maybe more appropriate to use 'Busy as a blue arsed fly' - which afaik is more common.

[Mad Monk]

Strine, like any slang language, is constantly evolving, and there are many local words.

Matty has a nickname of "Librarian," usually only called that by Nicky, because of his love of books. It is likely that he has liberated terms he liked from things he's read. He would never admit that though.

Also there is great cross-cultural fertilization of slang from travel. At the moment, I suspect we have more young Aussies in London than there are in Australia.

No worries mate.

[dellstart]

Seems some of the slang used is getting confused with Brit or American slang. Either that, or Queenslanders really are weird.

One of the terms used in Chapter 1 was "About as much fun as a shag on a rock" ... which seems to be confusing the Brittish term of Shag (To Fornicate/Copulate) with the Australian expression of 'feeling like a Shag on a rock'.
The Australian expression is one of exhaustion, rather than implied expression of discomfort. The expression comes from the Black Cormorant also called a Shag, which after diving for food stands on a nearby rock drying it's feathers, looking utterly exhausted.

There was also the 'Busy as a one armed Bill Poster in a gale' -- which *might* be Australian, but the only version I've heard locally is 'Busy as a one armed Nailer' ... similar, but pretty rare. Maybe more appropriate to use 'Busy as a blue arsed fly' - which afaik is more common.

True that. Queenslanders are weird

we all remember those saying and phrases we heard when we are little nippers. I know i do .

Yet, there is also a treasure trove of Australian slang to be found online as well. A lot of these (more colourful ) , come from those sites. like everything , i guess ,it depends where you grew up and what the locals used in that particular area.