
Several people have observed that saying the phrase rise up lights quickly in a non-Australian accent sounds like someone with an Australian accent saying razor blades. However, some Australians disagree, stating that the phrase rise up lights in their accent does not sound like razor blades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Saying the phrase | Rise up lights |
| Sounds like | Razor blades |
| Accent | Australian |
| Example | "Eensah the fine" sounds like "Answer the phone" |
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What You'll Learn

Saying rise up lights quickly sounds Australian
Saying "rise up lights" quickly is said to sound like someone with an Australian accent saying "razor blades". This is a well-known phrase that has been shared on various online platforms, including Reddit and Quora. While some Australians have disputed this, it is a fun linguistic trick that many non-Australians have found amusing and intriguing.
The Australian accent, often called "Strine", is known for its unique characteristics, including the rounding of vowel sounds and the softening of certain consonants when words are spoken quickly. In the phrase "rise up lights", the "i" sound in "rise" and "lights" tends to become more like an \"oi\" sound when spoken rapidly with an Australian accent. Additionally, the "p" sound in "up" may soften, becoming a sound between a "p" and a "b".
To sound more Australian, it is recommended to abbreviate words, such as saying "brekkie" for breakfast and "arvo" for the afternoon. Another tip is to avoid pronouncing the "r" at the end of words, so "river" becomes "riva", and to drop the "g" at the end of words, so "catching" becomes "catchin'". The "ah" sound in words like "that" or "hat" should sound more like the "eh" in "egg", and sentences can be ended with rising inflection, even if they are not questions.
While saying "rise up lights" quickly may sound like "razor blades" to non-Australian ears, it is important to remember that Australian accents vary across the country, and this phrase may not sound accurate to all Australians. Nonetheless, it is a fun way to play with language and explore the unique characteristics of the Australian accent.
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The Australian accent is called Strine
The Australian accent is colloquially referred to as Strine (pronounced "/ˈstraɪn/"). The term is a syncope, derived from a shortened phonetic rendition of the word "Australian" in an exaggerated Broad Australian accent. It was coined in 1964 when the accent was the subject of humorous columns published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Strine is used to describe a broad Australian English accent, and someone who speaks with this accent is called an Ocker. In contemporary Australian spoken English, the term Strine is being replaced by the word "Strayan," although Strine is still used among some populations and remains more common in written English.
The Australian accent has many unique characteristics and has influenced the development of certain slang terms and expressions. For example, the phrase “rise up lights” when said quickly, is said to sound like "razor blades" in an Australian accent. This phrase has gained popularity through social media platforms such as Reddit, with users from various countries attempting to replicate the Australian pronunciation.
Australian Strine is prevalent in modern Australia and has its own unique vocabulary and expressions. Some examples include "Arvo" for afternoon, "Aussie battler" for a hardworking Australian, "Av a go, ya mug" to encourage someone to try something, and "G'day" as a friendly greeting. These terms are part of the rich and diverse Australian vernacular that has evolved over time and continues to evolve, reflecting the unique cultural identity of the country.
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Tips for speaking like an Australian
It is important to note that there are different accents in different parts of Australia, and innumerable variations of the Australian accent. The accent closer to the city tends to resemble British or American accents, while the 'real' Australian accent is more commonly found outside of cities like Sydney. With that in mind, here are some tips for speaking like an Australian:
Speaking Style
The Australian language is a very lazy language. By that, I mean sentences flow together and the end of words are sometimes indistinguishable or are just cut off. Australians don't annunciate like Americans do, and they speak more quietly.
Sentence Endings
End sentences with "but", "as", "hey", or "aye". For instance, "The weather is cold, as" or "Why didn't Tommo come to the party, hey?".
Rising Inflection
End sentences with a rising inflection, even if it isn't a question. Your voice should rise at the end of the sentence, as if you are a little surprised.
Heaps
Use "heaps" all the time. It means "very" or "a lot".
Slang
Learn the Aussie slang. It'll help with pronunciation. For example, "G'day, mate!" or "no worries".
Elongated vowels
Australian accents draw out long vowels. For example, with a long “a,” you’ll typically hear it drawn out like ah-eh-ee. It helps to try it out slowly at first—draw out the word “plain” to sound more like “plah-eh-een.
Ghost Vowels
Many words sound like they have vowels that don’t actually appear in their spelling. For example, when “u” comes after a consonant, there is usually a “y” sound that comes before it. So, “music” sounds more like “myusic.
Dropped Letters
Australian speakers tend to drop the “r” sound throughout words if it isn’t followed by a vowel, replacing it with an “ah” sound. So, “car” becomes “cah. They also drop the hard “g” sound at the end of words, and soften “t” to sound like a “d.” For example, “wridin’” instead of “writing,” and “beddah” instead of “better.
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'Beer can' in an Aussie accent
Ordering a beer in Australia can be a tricky business for newcomers, with a variety of slang terms and glass sizes to navigate. But what about the sound of a beer can in an Aussie accent?
Well, one Reddit user has pointed out that saying "beer can" with a British accent sounds like you're saying "bacon" with a Jamaican accent. Another user has suggested that saying "rise up lights" quickly sounds like an Australian saying "razor blades". This has sparked a discussion, with some Australians agreeing that they can hear the similarity, while others disagree.
One commenter notes that the 'a' vowel sound in "razor" and "blade" is the vowel sound in "vein", not the vowel sound in "Cairo". They also point out that the end of "razor" is very unstressed, without the 'uh' sound of "up". So, to get that Aussie twang, it's important to remember to de-emphasize the end of "beer can".
In addition to the unique sound of "beer can", there are a few other things to keep in mind when ordering a beer in Australia. Firstly, the term "mate" is commonly used as a friendly greeting, and it's hard to overuse it. Secondly, while saying "cheers" or "ta" might be common in British-influenced states like New South Wales and Victoria, a simple "thanks" is more typical in states like Queensland or South Australia. So, if you're looking to blend in with the locals, it's worth paying attention to these subtle differences in accent and slang.
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Australian phrases and accents
Australian English has developed its own unique sound, vocabulary, and slang. It often skips the "r" sound and uses British spelling, but there are differences. For example, the "'oo' and 'u' sounds are different in Australian English, and the word "'tun' is pronounced differently." Australian English also has a large vowel inventory, which can make American accents sound monotonous in comparison.
There are three major recognised Australian accents: broad, general, and cultivated. The broad accent is associated with Queensland bogans, the general accent is used by most politicians, and the cultivated accent is associated with wine-drinking South Australians.
Australians also tend to shorten words and add a vowel to the end, for example, "bottle-o" for a bottle shop, "servo" for a service station, and "Macca's" for McDonald's. Other Australian slang includes "arvo" for afternoon, "pressies" for presents, "dag" for a nerd or geek, "daks" for trousers, "tracky daks" for sweatpants, "fair dinkum" for "honestly", "galah" for a stupid person, and "goon" for boxed wine. When greeting people, Australians often use the term "G'day, mate", and "mate" is also used casually between friends.
Interestingly, saying "rise up lights" quickly sounds like "razor blades" with an Australian accent.
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Frequently asked questions
It sounds like "razor blades".
The Australian accent is called Strine.
"Eensah the fine".
It just sounds like "rise up lights" to Australians.











































