Outrageous Aussie Sayings

Posted by ESC January 29, 2001In reply to Shout for a round posted by Steven McEwan on January 28, 2001

Thanks very much for your help.

I'd like to find out the origin of the phrase "shout", when used to mean "turn to buy", especially in relation to buying alcohol - eg "It's my shout".

My reference books don't say anything about this one. I'm just guessing, but could it be based on shouting to the bartender, "Four more beers over here, please," or whatever?

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cultural Etiquette" by Carol Turkington (Alpha Books, Indianapolis, Ind., 1999) says it's an Australian thing: "Remember, in an Australian pub, each person is responsible for buying a round of drinks. Never miss your turn to 'shout for a round' or you'll be branded as an Ugly American."

Funny thing: the phrase sounded Australian to me before I knew anything about it, and I can't say why.

Australians have a way with a phrase. www.sunburntcountry.au.com/ sayings/contents.html