Australia in 100 Words

Bonzer. Arvo. Tucker. Cobber. Sickie. Pash. Illywacker. There are plenty of words to choose from to tell the story of Australia – from iconic Australianisms like mateship, fair dinkum and bogan to drop bears, budgie smugglers and bin chickens. And while you aren’ t likely to hear bonzer, crikey, or cobber walking down the street, you will hear no worries, mate, and yeah nah. Words underpin myths and stereotypes of Australian identity; they have also obscured harsh realities and inequalities. There were more than 250 languages spoken on this continent before invasion. And while Australian English has many male archetypes – from bushrangers to diggers – there are far fewer words that tell us about the lives of women. Historian and Director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre, Amanda Laugesen gives a fresh history of Australia’ s past, and present.