Aussie English AE 1340 - The Goss: 10 Aussie Slang Terms & Their Weird Origins
Apr 13, 2025
Ian Smissen, father of Pete Smissen, joins the conversation to delve into the whimsical and often hilarious world of Australian slang. They explore quirky feline behaviors before diving into the cultural influences shaping local expressions. The origins of phrases like 'fair dinkum' and 'Buckley's Chance' are unpacked, revealing their fascinating backstories. With humor, they illuminate terms like 'cactus' and 'dunny,' showcasing the rich tapestry of Australian language and its playful evolution.
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American Influence on Aussie Slang
- Ian Smissen shares how American culture has overtaken British influence in Australian slang over the last 60 years.
- His daughter adapted North American expressions despite keeping her Australian accent, showing cultural impact on language.
Origin of "Buckley's Chance"
- The phrase 'Buckley's chance' means no chance and likely originated from a Melbourne department store, not just from William Buckley's survival story.
- Slang terms often derive from contemporary culture rather than retrospectively created from history.
Meaning of Dog's Breakfast
- 'Dog's breakfast' refers to a mess or disaster, inspired by dogs eating leftover scraps messily.
- It may have originated from Australian sheep shearers feeding their dogs leftover scraps.