You Won't Believe Which Aussie Slang Words Shocked This US Expat – They're Taboo in America!
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The Australian vernacular is as unique as the wildlife that roams the outback, and for newcomers from overseas, it can be as bewildering as trying to understand cricket on the first go. It's a language peppered with endearing terms, cheeky expressions, and a fair dose of what some might call 'cultural quirks'. But for one American expat, there's a particular Aussie slang that stands out as something that would cause quite a stir back in the States.
Ellie Drabik, an American who has called Australia home for nearly half a decade, has come to love the laid-back nature of Aussie speech. However, she was taken aback by how Australians refer to their senior citizens. Down Under, it's not uncommon to hear the term 'oldies' used in everyday conversation, a term that Ellie says would 'never fly' in the US.
In America, age is a sensitive topic, and calling someone 'old', let alone 'an oldie', might be seen as disrespectful or even ageist. But in Australia, Ellie has observed that the term is used affectionately and without malice. It's a cultural difference that highlights the relaxed Australian attitude towards aging and respect for the elderly.
On social media, Aussies were quick to defend the term 'oldies', with many explaining that it's used with warmth and familiarity. One user pointed out that 'the elderly' sounds much older than 'oldies', while another mentioned that referring to their father as 'my old man' is considered endearing. It seems that in Australia, the term helps bridge the gap between generations, fostering a sense of connection rather than division.
This isn't the first time an American has been taken by surprise by Australian customs. Another US expat, Brooke Laven, shared her admiration for the Aussie practice of greeting and thanking bus drivers – a common courtesy that she found to be 'uniquely Australian'. The idea that such basic manners could be considered unusual elsewhere was a revelation to many Australians, who consider it a normal part of everyday life.
The differences between American and Australian cultures can be as vast as the Pacific Ocean that separates them. What might be taboo or impolite in one country can be perfectly acceptable – even charming – in another. It's a reminder that when traveling or moving to a new country, it's essential to approach cultural norms with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Credit: @elliedrabik / TikTok
For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're curious to hear your thoughts. Have you encountered any slang terms while travelling that surprised you? How do you feel about the term 'oldies'? And do you make it a point to thank your bus driver? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below – we love hearing from you!
Remember, language is a living thing, and it evolves with the people who use it. Whether you're an 'oldie', a 'young'un', or somewhere in between, the words we choose can say a lot about our values and the society we live in. So, let's celebrate our linguistic differences and the rich tapestry they weave in the story of our lives.
Ellie Drabik, an American who has called Australia home for nearly half a decade, has come to love the laid-back nature of Aussie speech. However, she was taken aback by how Australians refer to their senior citizens. Down Under, it's not uncommon to hear the term 'oldies' used in everyday conversation, a term that Ellie says would 'never fly' in the US.
American expats in Australia are surprised by the casual use of 'oldies' for the elderly. Credit: @elliedrabik / TikTok
In America, age is a sensitive topic, and calling someone 'old', let alone 'an oldie', might be seen as disrespectful or even ageist. But in Australia, Ellie has observed that the term is used affectionately and without malice. It's a cultural difference that highlights the relaxed Australian attitude towards aging and respect for the elderly.
On social media, Aussies were quick to defend the term 'oldies', with many explaining that it's used with warmth and familiarity. One user pointed out that 'the elderly' sounds much older than 'oldies', while another mentioned that referring to their father as 'my old man' is considered endearing. It seems that in Australia, the term helps bridge the gap between generations, fostering a sense of connection rather than division.
This isn't the first time an American has been taken by surprise by Australian customs. Another US expat, Brooke Laven, shared her admiration for the Aussie practice of greeting and thanking bus drivers – a common courtesy that she found to be 'uniquely Australian'. The idea that such basic manners could be considered unusual elsewhere was a revelation to many Australians, who consider it a normal part of everyday life.
The differences between American and Australian cultures can be as vast as the Pacific Ocean that separates them. What might be taboo or impolite in one country can be perfectly acceptable – even charming – in another. It's a reminder that when traveling or moving to a new country, it's essential to approach cultural norms with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Credit: @elliedrabik / TikTok
For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, we're curious to hear your thoughts. Have you encountered any slang terms while travelling that surprised you? How do you feel about the term 'oldies'? And do you make it a point to thank your bus driver? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below – we love hearing from you!
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