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Maccas for Brekkie: Learning Australian as a Foreign Language

11/15/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture
A quote attributed to George Bernard Shaw said that England and America were two countries separated by a common language. The same could be said about Australia and America. When I moved to Canberra, I felt confident because English was spoken here. And it is--but it’s like no English I’ve ever heard. When a neighbor asked me about Maccas for brekkie, I was mystified.

Australians shorten many words and then add “a,” “-o,” “-y,” or “-ie.” These are called “friendly” or “diminutive” endings. And the words are certainly cute, but often I find myself clueless about the meaning. Scholars have theorized that Australians use abbreviations and diminutives to create a bond with others that emphasizes friendliness, community, and informality.

Here are some examples of Australia’s abbreviations with diminutive endings:
  • Aggro – aggravation
  • Ambo - ambulance
  • Arvo – afternoon
  • Barbie – barbecue
  • Bikkie – cookie  
  • Brekkie – breakfast
  • Choccy - chocolate
  • Chrissy – Christmas
  • Cuppa – cup of tea generally
  • Defo – definitely
  • Docu – documentary
  • Esky – what we would call a cooler
  • Inspo – inspiration
  • Journo - journalist
  • Lippie – lipstick
  • Lollies – candy
  • Maccas – McDonald’s
  • Maggie - magpie
  • Mozzie – mosquito
  • Muso – musician
  • Pokie – slot machine
  • Prezzie – present or gift
  • Rego - Registration
  • Servo – gas station
  • Sickie – a sick day from the office or school
  • Tradie – a tradesman
  • Uni – university
  • Vego – vegetarian
Even now, after living in Australia for more than a year and consulting various authorities, I don’t dare try to come up with any of these words on my own. As far as I can tell, there’s no rule for when you add which ending. An abbreviation for my purse could be “purso,” or “pursie,” or some other word entirely. I think I’ll stop trying and go to Maccas for brekkie and have a choccy bikky and a cuppa instead.
4 Comments
Diane
11/15/2018 02:07:15 am

Oh I see. In PA we tend to add ‘ie’ to names, Waynie versus Wayne? A term of endearment. 😇. Love this blog!

Reply
Rose
11/15/2018 06:42:09 pm

Exactly. They just do it with everyday words as well as names. Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Reply
Bob
12/1/2018 06:41:06 pm

Great info on all the posts you provide and the pictures are great. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the Area.

Reply
Rose
12/1/2018 09:36:50 pm

Thanks, Bob, for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear from my readers! I'm really glad you're enjoying the posts.

Reply



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    Rose Ciccarelli is an American writer and editor living in Canberra, Australia.

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