The Art of Communication

Please allow me to introduce you guys to one heck of a sweet lady, Loretta Wheeler, writing under the pen name, L. Reveaux. We met several years back when I was doing a workshop and I've been buddies with her every since. Here's her blurb:

They say it's all smoke and mirrors down on Bourbon Street…but what do they know…

Smoke rises…as does heat…and fire…

And sometimes all of them are fed by the same unquenchable desires

Take a late night stroll with Rick through the French Quarter, preferably on a night when the moon is rising along with the heat level, and watch as The Lady Ryze steps under a street light...and sets the night ablaze…

And today she's going to away an e-copy of her book, so make sure you leave a post.

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When I was first asked to do a blog at killer Fiction, I drew a blank on what to talk about. Like every other writer I know, I was nose down in edits, and my brain didn’t seem to be able to roll in another direction.

After two cups of coffee, I finally came up with something. What better thing to talk about as a writer than communication? Or lack thereof. What do we do when cultures and language collide?
I know a lot about this. I’m married to an Aussie.

Now, when I married him I thought, “No problem, at least we both speak the same language.” Boy was I wrong. We have to spell darn near everything—and neither of us understands what the other is talking about half the time.

For example: Did you know that if you say you go to bed with the chickens, mass confusion ensues? He was alarmed, thinking his American wife slept with egg layers. Takes awhile to explain the analogy and a lot is lost in translation. And by the way, chickens are called chooks in Australia. So, that’s good for another round of conversation. It could take you all arvo to explain it. An additional new word for you. Arvo. That’s afternoon.

Then there’s tucker. My hubby informed me we were going to see a Dog on a Tucker, an Australian landmark. It’s quite charming, a beautiful piece of Australiana. It’s a dog sitting on his tucker box. For us Yanks, it would be a dog sitting on his lunch box. I bet I could have figured that out if he’d given me a clue.

I’ll share one more example with you, and then I’ll give you a list of Aussie Slang and their definitions.

John took me shopping one day, pulled up to the curb to let me out and was amazed when I stepped onto the curb, and then promptly jumped back into the car. Still being newlyweds at the time, rather than grabbing his head in frustration, he waited patiently for the explanation.

A sign posted on the curb read, NO STANDING. I didn’t see how I could get out if I couldn’t stand there. If you ever decide to visit Down Under, don’t fret over the NO STANDING thing. It means NO PARKING. Go ahead and stand there if you want to. All of them do when they’re trying to get into their cars.

One last suggestion, if you do visit, you might consider doing what we’ve resorted to. Flash cards. They work wonders. Delete’s out both accents and you can stop yelling SPELL THAT!

Now, below as promised, are a few Aussie words to tickle your fancy. Pour yourself a cuppa (cup of tea or coffee) and sit a spell. (That’s a southern term; after all, it’s a southern gal writing this:) And print this thing out if you’re going over there. You’re gonna’ need it!

Fair Dinkum - Real Genuine
Esky - Igloo or Ice Chest
Mossie - Mosquito
Moggy - Cat
Ocker - Unsophisticated Aussie
Walkabout - Long trek somewhere, bring water, it could take awhile.
Grouse - Terrific!
Jillaroo - Cowgirl
Jackaroo - Cowboy

Bet you know what you’re ordering at The Outback now, don’t you? By the way, they don’t have Bloomin’ Onions over there, or Outback’s for that matter. Only the real one. See Walkabout.

Lollies - Candy
Jumbuck - Sheep
Bludger - Lazy person
Cobber - Friend
Dag -Nerd
Strewth - Exclamation or OMG!
Bonza - Great!
Bastard - Term of endearment. My hubby swears and spits that’s the truth.

These are just a smidgeon. It should be enough to get you by though, until you can purchase an Aussie Slang guide. I’m going to Rack Off now (get out of here). Wishing all of you a G’Day Mate!

And a, Y’all come back, ya hear? Had to slip that in so y’all could practice using those flash cards!