AUSSIE SLANG Words and Phrases SPECIAL FOCUS September 2000

Dinky-di Aussie Swagman

"Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" Let's Say It Right, Yanks I'm embarrassed. As a "yank" (an American, also, "seppo"), the first rule of language I learned when I moved to Australia with my new Australian husband 2-1/2 years ago was the correct pronunciation for the word, "Aussie" (an Australian). Now as the Olympics enter their first day, I cringe every time I turn on the Today Show to hear Matt or Katie pronounce this word like it looks to most of us Americans. Shame on them and the rest of us who never bothered to learn that in Australia many words that contain "ss" are pronounced "zz". Thus, Aussie is pronounced like "Auzzie" (or Ozzie). It is a source of irritation to many "Aussies" that yanks have never learned the proper way to refer to them. However, any yank who says it right has passed the ultimate test and is warmly welcomed as a "mate". Many Americans incorrectly think that for some strange reason the people of Australia are referring to their country as "Oz" (as in Wizard of Oz) and therefore, the inhabitants are Ozzies. They continue to think that "Aussie" is a different word altogether. Now I bet you think I'm going to tell you that the shortened version of Australia is spelled "Aus" even though it is pronounced "Oz", don't you? Wrong again! By some twisted "Aussie" logic, Aussies live in Oz......... are you confused yet? So, when you next hear a lusty chant at the Olympics or other Australian sporting competition, "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oy, oy, oy", know that these folks didn't just arrive via the yellow brick road; they are the proud mates from "down under".

Chris Townsend, Sarcoid Connection
E-Mail address at Aussie Slang Home
Last Modified September 9, 2002