Aussie-isms (1986)

Today at work, as part of my Data Archivist duties, I was typing up some notes from a 1986 questionnaire. Discovered a few more Aussie-isms. Not sure if they're still in use today.


Apparently, Aussies say ''pay rise'', not ''pay raise''. Interesting, subtle difference: Both ''rise'' and ''raise'' indicate an upward motion -- but the verb tense is different (or something).


Back in 1986, Aussies would ask who ''puts the garbage out'' rather than ''takes the garbage out.'' Although a co-wokers says that now-a-days, either is fine.

To my ear, ''putting the garbage out'' makes it sound like its on fire.


Also, this co-worker says that ''who does the washing'' was (in 1986), and still is, the prefered phrase for the clothes-washing. If you ask "who does the laundry" it doesn't work for Aussies, because ''the laundry'' refers to the room -- the laundry room. The response would be ''I don't go to a laundromat, I do it at home.''

And, also, to clarify, ''doing the washing'' refers to the clothes, whereas ''doing the washing-up'' refers to doing the dishes.


Subtle cultural differences. Good stuff. :)


--GG