Visiting Australia is always an interesting experience which holds a lot in my heart considering that I have lived in the UAE longer than in my place of birth. My trip each year presents an abundance of experiences that i cherish but also make me encounter aspects of my own culture which can surprise me. There are simple things like self-check out, understanding of lay-by shopping or other "norms" of Australia that I simply don't understand due to my upbringing in Abu Dhabi. I continuously get confused with the Australian dialect, this does not include Australian accents. Even though I'm not surrounded by Australians, I'm still very capable of understanding harsh accents because much of my family have intense accents due to their childhood. If I had a more pom or posh family than it may have impaired my understanding. However it is the sayings, vocabulary or slang that I must learn while I'm there to have capable conversations. Going to Australia gives me a release as I can use the words I'm more comfortable with without being questioned but hearing those around me make me question certain words due to my ignorance.
A few things a came to understood from my recent visit:
Sus
- Someone unemployed, someone considered "dodgy" or simply a bad person for some reason.
- To investigate or check something out.
Examples:
1. " He is such a sus."
2. " I'm going to sus it out"
Sticky Beak
- Can be used to describe someone as a curious or noisy person.
- To investigate or check something out.
Examples:
1. " Don't be such a sticky beak"
2. "I'm going to go in coles and have a sticky beak."
What does that have to do with the price of rice?
- Used to question someone on the intention of what they are saying or their point, it questions why they are saying something as if to ask "What does that have to does with anything?"
Example:
*conversation about politics*
Person 1- "I like potatoes"
Person 2- "What does that have to do with the price of rice"
Half your luck
- Can be used to express a want for someone's situation or luck, if someone has something you would like you would say it as if they could give you their luck.
Example:
Person 1- "I'm going to eat cake when i get home."
Person 2- "Awwwww, half your luck"
Cotton on
- Can be used instead of "caught on" to describe if someone has caught on or began to understand a situation or subject.
Example:
Person 1- "How did the prank call go?"
Person 2- "It didn't work, he cotton on."
