Fair Dinkum! Aussie Slang

by H.G. Nelson

Australian slang unites the true blue and the dinky-di and separates the cheeky little possums from the happy little Vegemites. In this attractive new pictorial guide, readers will learn to distinguish their drongos from their dropkicks and discover where our unique vernacular comes from.

Discover the connection between bludgers and pimps, drongos and a winless horse. Aussie slang tells us much about our history; in this book are words that have evolved from Indigenous languages, the dialects of the British Isles and the names, catchphrases and peccadillos of Australian celebrities.

Alongside the fascinating etymological information are striking images from the National Library's vast Pictures Collection-used to great humorous effect in illustrating the slang words and phrases-and commentaries by H.G. Nelson, the man who, together with Rampaging Roy Slaven, brought the world the `battered sav', the `hullo boys' and the `spinning date', all gymnastics moves that need little further explanation. A mix of traditional and modern slang, in a fresh design, this guide will educate and entertain readers, and tickle their funny bones.

• ISBN13: 9780642278791
• Publish Date: November 2015
• Publish Status: Unknown
• Publish Country: AU
• Imprint: National Library of Australia
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 170
• Language: English

Reviews

[MurderByDeath]

A quick and fun read full of older photos guaranteed to make anyone cringe and possibly tarnish the world view of Aussies being buff, beautiful and glamourous.  This compendium covers just about most of the Aussie slang they're famous for, including 'Strewth!' and 'Stone the Crows!' (neither of which, by the way, I've ever actually heard used), along with a few that might not have made it across the oceans: 'chuck a wobbly' (throw a fit), or 'dinky-di' (authentically Australian, apparently).

I dinged the book a star because Nelson includes a few slang terms that are definitely not strictly Aussie:  I grew up using 'chuck a u-ey' (do a u-turn) and 'mad as a cut snake' amongst others in the collection ('In like Flynn').   I don't claim them as American, but they're definitely not quintessentially Aussie, either.

A fun surprise stocking stuffer from MT and I'm going to have fun sharing some of these terms with my friends and family back home.