Aussie (n. and adj): informal term for Australia or Australian.

It is a phenomenon worth studying.

Ever since Crocodile Dundee debuted in America in 1986, the folks of our country have been absolutely enamored by Australians.

• We’ve eaten shrimp with them down at the “barbie.”
• We frequently go to the Outback Steakhouse.
• And we nearly had 40 days of mourning over a young man who got stung and killed by a stingray.

What is our fascination with those we dub Aussies?

May I advance some possibilities?

1. They have almost an American audacity to proclaim their country a continent. (We don’t even do that.)
2. They kind of talk British without being sprinkled with fairy dust.
3. They look like they would wear shorts to work everyday.
4. Knowing that opera is boring, they made their Sydney Opera House interesting looking.
5. They have kangaroos. Come on.
6. Their country has a Wild West feel to it instead of being beleaguered by mini-malls and huge billboards.
7. Every once in a while they produce a good rock and roll band.
8. And finally, their winter is in July. (That’s gutsy.)

I think the basic thing that promotes the Aussie appeal is that they have a friendliness instead of a nastiness, even though they appear to be extremely independent.

In our country, if you’re going to be a free-thinker, you normally choose to snarl.

In Australia, you say, “G’day.”

Thank you for enjoying Words from Dic(tionary) —  J.R. Practix

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