... or, if you'd like a translation, me me at McDonald's this afternoon. The Aussies abbreviate everything. Australian becomes Aussie, and the continent becomes Oz. Don't bother asking for an umbrella if it's raining when you can get by with "brolly", and why say "this afternoon" when "sarvo" will do the trick? Tomorrow afternoon? Tomorrow arvo. You'd think from their language that the Aussie's are the most time-crunched people on earth. And it's not just in everyday conversation... Radio hosts talk about what's coming up savo, and a banner for the local McDonald's proudly refers to Macca's.
If you want your Aussie abrevs to sound extra legit, make sure they end in "ie". Grab your sunnies* if you're going out with the Surfies* on the Goldie*. Don't bother with toast... we can grab some brekkie* on the way.
And like the Eskimos have many words for snow, the Aussies have many words for the side dish that Americans commonly refer to as French Fries. Want them cut in thick chunks? Wedges. Somewhat thick? Chips. And those skinny little things you get at McDonalds? Fries. Just don't confuse the chips you get with your burger with the [potato] chips you buy in the store.
Need to go to Walmart? Big W. Burger King? Hungry Jacks - turns out by the time Burger King International decided to infiltrate the Australian market a Ma and Pa burger joint had the rights to their name. No worries though - you can still get a Whopper.
What you can't get is black beans, Crystal Lite, or tampons with applicators. Ask for any of these and you'll get a confused look, a polite smile, and a "Dunno mate... might have better luck at Woolie's down the road."
Glossary:
sunnies: sunglasses
surfies: surfers
Goldie: The Gold Coast
brekkie: breakfast.
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