"australian origin" idioms...
See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word australia
" A big ask "
Meaning:
A favour which is a lot to ask of someone.
Example:
Tod had only just got home from his overnight flight when his boss told him to get back to the airport and fly to Sydney. That was a big ask.
Where did it originate?:
Australia.
Where is it used?:
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" Amber nectar "
Meaning:
A slang term for lager.
Example:
I've been in the outback all day rounding up sheep and my throat's as dry as a pommies towel. I'm just about ready to sink a few tinnies of the amber nectar.
Where did it originate?:
Originally the USA but only becoming widely used following its use as an advertising slogan by Foster's Lager, initially in Australia.
Where is it used?:
Worldwide, but rarely by the over 60s.
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" Beach bum "
Meaning:
Someone, usually a youngster, who spends all their time hanging out at the beach surfing and partying.
Example:
Shane Warne was well on his way the becoming a beach bum until he found his calling in sport. Now he's a cricketing legend.
Where did it originate?:
Australia, 1960s.
Where is it used?:
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" Frock up "
Meaning:
Wear a smart or formal dress for a special occasion.
Example:
The boys all wore new suits for the formal and the girls frocked up.
Where did it originate?:
Australia, 20th century.
Where is it used?:
Most common in Australia, but spreading worldwide
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" Mates rates "
Meaning:
A discount price offered to friends.
Example:
I can't really afford to get the roof fixed but my pal Jim is a builder, maybe hell give me mates rates.
Where did it originate?:
Australian origin, 20th century.
Where is it used?:
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" Never-never land "
Meaning:
A utopian dreamland.
Example:
Sonya says she's going to get a part in Jonny Depp's new movie. She needs to stop living in never-never land.
Where did it originate?:
Australia
Where is it used?:
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" Pommy bashing "
Meaning:
Australian slang term for physical or verbal attacks on the English.
Example:
As Londoners, we never felt comfortable on our trip to Sydney. Every day we were subject to pommie bashing.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Mostly Britain and Australia.
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" Shoot through "
Meaning:
To leave or abscond.
Example:
When we got up this morning Jeff had gone. He shot through without a word.
Where did it originate?:
Australia, 1940s.
Where is it used?:
Mostly Australia and New Zealand.
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