Australian origin
A big ask
Meaning
A favour which is a lot to ask of someone.
Examples
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.
Examples
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.
Examples
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.
Examples
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.
Examples
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?
Worldwide, but most common down under.
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Never-never land
Meaning
A utopian dreamland.
Examples
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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How the idiom originated
Pommy bashing
Meaning
Australian slang term for physical or verbal attacks on the English.
Examples
As Londoners, we never felt comfortable on our trip to Sydney. Every day we were subject to pommie bashing.
Where did it originate?
Britain, late 20th century.
Where is it used?
Mostly Britain and Australia.
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Shoot through
Meaning
To leave or abscond.
Examples
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.
Hear the idiom spoken
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