Ruqayyah Snyder
The eight-part online miniseries How to Talk Australians is a pseudo-educational parody web series that explores Australian culture and language through the eyes of teachers and students at a fictional Indian college of linguistics. The series provides a humorous take on the challenges faced by Indian migrants or aspiring migrants to Australia as they navigate the local idiom, colloquialisms, and cultural nuances. With an emphasis on expletives and put-downs, the show offers a unique perspective on Australian national identity, including topics such as food, slang, celebrities, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Chiko Rolls, meat pies, "Barbie", schooners of beer, meat trays, meat raffles, sausages, lamb chops, lambingtons, lamingtons, tomato sauce |
| Language | Rhyming slang |
| Celebrity culture | Racist or dead celebrities, e.g. Mel Gibson, Pauline Hanson, Michael Hutchence, and Steve Irwin |
| Nicknames | Shorten names and add an 'o' or 'a', e.g. David becomes 'Davo', Jonathon becomes 'Jono', Sharon becomes 'Shazza', Assanita becomes 'Arse' |
| Culture | "Chuck a sickie", citizenship test, Ned Kelly hold-up, "keep your beer cold", "baby kangaroos are called Joey" |
| Miscellaneous | Know what to do with a boomerang, know about Don Bradman, sing the first verse of the Australian anthem, eat Vegemite |
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What You'll Learn
Expletives and put-downs
The Australian and Indian languages have a variety of expletives and put-downs that are used in different contexts. Here are some examples:
In Australia, one might say, "G'day Knackers" as a form of greeting, which can be replied to with, "Not bad, you dumb ass shit for brains sheep shagger." These phrases are meant to be playful and humorous, often used between friends. The use of "G'day" is a typical Australian greeting, while the rest of the phrase adds a comedic twist.
Another example is the phrase, "You long piece of pelican shit," which is used in the parody web series "How to Talk Australians." This phrase is said by an Indian character, Maharji, who is cooking steak on a barbecue and using a boomerang as a utensil. It showcases the playful use of insults in Australian culture.
In India, the word "bloody" is often used as an intensifier to express anger, frustration, or surprise. For instance, one might say, "That bloody bus is always late!" or "I can't believe I missed the bloody deadline!" While the word "bloody" is also used in Australian English, it can have a different connotation depending on the cultural context.
Additionally, the word "bc" is a common expletive in Indian English, used to express frustration or annoyance. It is a milder form of swearing and is often used in place of stronger expletives. For example, one might say, "Oh bc, I forgot my umbrella!" or "This traffic is bc!"
It's important to note that the use of expletives and put-downs can vary depending on the region and cultural background of the speaker. While some phrases may be considered playful and humorous in one context, they might be deemed offensive or inappropriate in another. It's always essential to be mindful of the cultural sensitivities and norms when using slang or colloquial expressions.
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Australian slang
- "G'day" or "G'day Knackers" – hello.
- "Mate" – a catch-all term for referring to friends or others, and sometimes not in a friendly way.
- "Old mate" – a friend or someone you are referring to, and sometimes not a mate at all.
- "Bogan" – a typically Aussie slang word used for people who are like rednecks.
- "Blotto" – drunk.
- "It's my shout" – "it's my turn to pay".
- "Budgie smugglers" – men wearing speedos.
- "Fair dinkum" – "really?".
- "Galah" – a fool or a silly person; also the name for a type of Australian cockatoo with a reputation for not being bright.
- "Goon" – cheap boxed wine.
- "Manchester" – sheets or linen.
- "Outback" – the interior of Australia; more remote than "the bush".
- "Rack off" – a less offensive way of telling someone to "f off".
- "Pull your head in" – used to tell someone to calm down.
- "Dardy" – "cool", used among South West Australian Aboriginal peoples and also by non-indigenous teens.
- "Esky" – an insulated food/drink container for picnics, barbecues, etc.
- "Chuck a sickie" – to take a day off work when you're not really sick.
- "Reckon" – "you bet" or "absolutely".
- "Rip snorter" – great or fantastic.
- "Too right" – "definitely".
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Rhyming slang
Unique formations of rhyming slang exist in Australia, such as the term "pommy", which has been proposed as a rhyme on "pomegranate", pronounced "pummy grant", which then rhymed with "immigrant". This term is used for an English person. Here are some more examples of Australian rhyming slang:
- Adrian Quist - "pissed", i.e., drunk. Named after a well-known Australian tennis player of the 1930s and 1940s.
- Al Capone - "telephone". Also, someone who is always talking on their mobile phone is called Elliot, as in "Elliot Ness on the Al Capone".
- Billy Hunt - "cunt", a stupid person. This is named after the Australian cricketer who played in the first test against England in the 1930s.
- Charley Wheeler - "sheila" or "sheilah", Australian slang for a woman. Named after the famous Australian painter Charles Wheeler.
- Edgar Britt - "shit", named after a famous Australian jockey.
- Germaine Greer - "ear", named after the women's rights activist, commentator, and author.
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Australian celebrities
When it comes to Australian celebrities who speak Indian languages, one name stands out: Vimala Raman. Growing up in suburban Sydney, Australia, and frequently travelling to India, Raman is now one of the biggest Australian movie stars in Indian cinema. She has acted in various Indian film industries, including Tollywood (Telugu language), Mollywood (Malayalam), Kollywood (Tamil), and Sandalwood (Kannada). She is known for her fluency in these languages, having learned them from a young age.
Raman's success in Indian cinema has made her a celebrity in India, where she is mobbed on the streets. Her ability to speak multiple Indian languages has been a significant factor in her success, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of audiences across the country.
While Raman is an Australian celebrity who has found success in India through her multilingual skills, it is also worth noting that there are Indian celebrities who speak multiple languages, including some Australian or English. For example, Asin, a former Indian actress who appeared in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam films, can speak seven languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, Italian, and French. Similarly, Deepika Padukone, an Indian model and actress, can speak Konkani, Hindi, English, Tulu, and has learned Bengali for a film role.
In addition, some Indian celebrities are known for their proficiency in English, which is widely spoken in India as a second language. Shah Rukh Khan, for instance, is fluent in Hindi, English, Urdu, and Kannada. While some Indians may criticise celebrities who adopt a foreign accent or disregard their regional language, many Indian celebrities embrace multilingualism and navigate different linguistic contexts, reflecting the diverse and complex linguistic landscape of India.
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Australian culture and customs
Australia is a highly culturally diverse country with roots that reach back tens of thousands of years. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the oldest living cultural group in the world, with a history extending back at least 65,000 years. They make up under 3% of the population, and their unique spirituality and belief systems, languages, and cultural practices are a crucial part of the national identity.
The arrival of the first British settlers in 1788 introduced Western civilisation to the Australian continent, and the foundations of Australia's democratic institutions, rule of law, English literature, Western art and music, and Judeo-Christian ethics. The convict heritage of the early colonies also ensured that European perceptions of the environment were often influenced by a sense of exile and alienation.
Australia's society is diverse, with roughly a third of its population born overseas, and half of all people having at least one parent who was born overseas. A large proportion of Australians have European ancestry, and there are significant immigrant groups from Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
Australian culture is generally laid-back and relaxed, and Australians value authenticity, sincerity, and a lack of pretence. They tend to be informal in conversation, dress, and relations with others, and they appreciate open and honest communication. Small talk is generally limited, and Australians value directness in their communication and negotiation styles.
Australian families are often matriarchal, with mothers usually responsible for discipline and decisions regarding the children. Families often get together for meals, and it is common to get takeaway for a quick meal. They also express affection through shared activities such as watching television, working around the house or garden, having picnics or barbecues, and going to sporting events together.
Outdoor life is an important part of Australian culture, with popular activities including swimming at beaches, playing cricket or Australian Rules Football, and having barbecues in the park. Australia also has a strong arts culture, with Aboriginal art, literature, theatre, and visual arts like painting and photography all playing a significant role in the national culture.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian accent is notoriously hard to master, and it's important to remember that you shouldn't try to fake an accent to fit in. However, if you want to neutralise your accent, you can do so by listening to a lot of Australian content, like radio talk shows and TV shows. You can also practice speaking at a slower pace, as people tend to speak quickly when English is their second language.
Some common Australian slang includes "G'day", "true-blue", "grub", "chuck a sickie", "mate", and "bloke". Australians also use a lot of rhyming slang, such as calling someone a "long piece of pelican shit".
Unfortunately, there is no quick way to learn the Australian accent. It's a slow and gradual process that requires a lot of exposure to Australian content and practice. However, you can start by focusing on neutralising your accent and working on your pronunciation.
One challenge is that the way certain sounds are pronounced in Indian languages, like the "T" or "D" sound, is very different from the way they are pronounced in English. Additionally, Indian speakers tend to speak English quickly due to anxiety or lack of confidence, which can make it harder for others to understand them.
There don't appear to be any specific courses or resources available online. However, you can expose yourself to Australian media, such as radio shows and TV programs, to help you familiarise yourself with the accent and common slang.
