Crikey! If you’re wondering if Australians really say that, the answer is yes. Crikey is a popular interjection in Australia and is often used to express surprise or amazement.
The origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the phrase “Christ’s wounds,” which was a common expression of surprise in the 19th century. Over time, the phrase was shortened to “crikey.”
Today, crikey is used by Australians of all ages and backgrounds. It’s often used in informal conversations, but it can also be heard in more formal settings. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear a news anchor or politician use the word on national television.
In addition to its use as an exclamation of surprise, crikey has also become synonymous with Australian culture. It’s often used in movies and television shows to convey a sense of Australian identity and pride.
But crikey isn’t the only uniquely Australian word. The Australian English language is full of slang and colloquialisms that can be confusing for outsiders. For example, “fair dinkum” means “genuine” or “honest,” while “she’ll be right” means “everything will be okay.”
Overall, crikey is just one of the many words that make Australian English unique. If you’re planning to visit Australia or have friends from down under, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with some of the local slang. Who knows, you miht even find yourself saying crikey!
Do Australians Utilize the Exclamation ‘Crikey’?
Yes, Australians do use the word “crikey” as an interjection to express surprise or astonishment. While it may not be used in every conversation, it is a common expression in Australian English and is often associated with the country’s unique slang and culture. The origins of the word are believed to be from British English, but it has since been adopted and popularized by Australians. Other similar expressions used in Australia include “bloody hell” and “fair dinkum”.
What Is the Meaning of ‘Crikey’ in Australia?
Crikey is an Australian electronic magazine that offers a website and email newsletter to its subscribers. It is known for its coverage of Australian politics, media, and current affairs. Founded in 2000, Crikey has beome a prominent source of news and analysis in Australia, with a reputation for independent and critical journalism. It covers a range of topics, including politics, business, culture, and society, and is known for its investigative reporting and commentary. Its readership includes politicians, journalists, and members of the general public who are interested in staying informed about Australian news and events. Crikey has been described as the “most popular website in Parliament House” by former Federal Opposition Leader Mark Latham, highlighting its influence in the Australian political landscape.
Is Crikey an English or Australian Expression?
Crikey is a word that is commonly used in both English and Australian English. It is believed to have originated in England as a minced oath, an expression used to avoid using a swear word. However, it is now more commonly associated with Australian English, and is often used as an expression of surprise or amazement in Australian culture. The word has becme synonymous with Australia and is often associated with the late Steve Irwin, a famous Australian wildlife expert who popularized the word through his television show “The Crocodile Hunter.” Therefore, it can be said that crikey is both an English and Australian expression.
Common Phrases Used by Australians
Sure, there are many phrases that Aussies use in their daily conversations, but here are two common phrases that you might hear them say:
1. “No worries, mate!” – This phrase means “it’s okay” or “don’t worry about it.” Aussies are known for their laid-back attitude, and this phrase reflects that.
2. “G’day, mate!” – This is a typical Australian greeting, which means “hello, friend!” It’s a friendly and informal way to say hello, and you’ll often hear it used between friends or acquaintances.
Common Slang Used by Australians
Australia has a unique slang vocabulary that is often used in everyday conversation. Some of the most common Australian slang terms include:
1. Ta – This is a common way of saying tank you.
2. Bogan – This term is used to describe someone who is uncultured or unsophisticated.
3. Brekkie – This refers to breakfast and is often used when talking about going out for breakfast or grabbing a quick bite to eat in the morning.
4. Arvo – This is short for afternoon and is often used when making plans with friends or family.
5. Mate – This is a term of endearment that is used to refer to a friend or acquaintance.
6. No worries – This is a common response to someone saying thank you or sorry, and is used to indicate that there is no problem or issue.
7. Thongs – In Australia, thongs refer to flip flops or sandals.
8. Fair dinkum – This is a term that means something is genuine or true.
9. Sheila – This slang term is used to refer to a woman.
10. G’day – This is a common greeting in Australia, similar to saying hello.
Overall, Australian slang is a unique and important part of the country’s culture and language. Understanding these terms can help visitors and new residents better navigate social interactions and conversations in Australia.
Do Australians Utilize the Expression Blimey?
While blimey is a commonly used slang term in the United Kingdom, it is not typically used in Australia. Australians have their own unique slang vocabulary, which includes words such as crikey, fair dinkum, mate, and dinky-di. These words are commonly used in everyday conversation and are often used to express surprise, agreement or to emphasize a point. So, while Aussies may not say blimey, they certainly have plenty of their own unique slang terms that are just as colorful and expressive.
Do Australians Use the Term ‘Cranky’?
Yes, Australians do say “cranky”. It is a common term used to describe someone who is in a bad mood, irritable or easily annoyed. The term “cranky” is often used interchangeably with other similar terms like “grumpy” or “moody”. It is a part of the Australian lexicon and is used across the country. So, if you hear someone in Australia say that they are feeling “cranky”, you can be sure that they are expressing a negative emotion.
Do Australians Use the Word ‘Aint’?
Yes, Australians do say “ain’t” as a non-standard feature of their English language. The use of “ain’t” is more commonly found in mainstream Australian English and is often used informally in speech. It is also worth noting that the use of “ain’t” in Australian English may be influenced by the country’s proximity to New Zealand, where “ain’t” is a feature of Māori-influenced English. However, it is important to remember that “ain’t” is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal situations.
The Origin of the Exclamation Crikey
The person who used to say “crikey” was Steve Irwin, a television star and wildlife enthusiast. “Crikey” was his catch phrase and was exclaimed repeatedly during his television show, where he showcased his love and passion for animals. Unfortunately, Steve Irwin passed away in 2006 after being fatally stabbed in the chest with a stingray barb while filming a documentary. Despite his tragic death, his legacy lives on as he inspired many people around the world to appreciate and protect the natural world.
How Australians Refer to British People
In Australia, British people are often referred to as “pommy,” “pommie,” or simply “pom.” These terms have been in use in Australia, as well as in South Africa and New Zealand, for many years and are considered a colloquialism. The origins of the term are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from an abbreviation of the word “pomegranate,” which was a nickname given to British soldiers in India during the colonial era. The term “pommy” has been in use in Australian newspapers since at least 1912 and is now widely used in everyday conversation. While the term can be used in a derogatory way, it is also used affectionately and is often seen as a way of acknowledging the shared cultural heritage between Australia and Britain.
Do Australians Use the Expression Eh?
Yes, Australians do use the word “eh” in their speech. While it is not as common as it is in Canadian English, it is still used as a way to seek agreement or confirmation. In Australian English, it is often pronounced with a rising intonation at the end of the word, making it sound like a question. For example, “That was a great game, eh?” or “We should go to the beach today, eh?” It is not used as frequently as in some other English-speaking countries, but it is still a part of the Australian vernacular.
Expressions of Anger in Australian English
When Australians are angry or upset, they may use a variety of slang expressions or phrases to express their frustration. One common phrase is “gone crook,” which means to become angry or upset. The word “crook” can also be used to describe a criminal, but in this context, it refers to someone’s emotional state.
Another phrase that Australians might use is “cut snake,” which means someone is very angry or agitated. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is so angry that they are behaving in an erratic or unpredictable manner.
In addition, Australians may use other slang expressions to express anger, such as “spitting chips,” “having a dummy spit,” or “throwing a wobbly.” These phrases all suggest a degree of extreme frustration or anger.
It’s worth noting that while these slang expressions are commonly used in Australia, they may not be understood by people from other countries. As with any language or culture, it’s important to be aware of the nuances and idioms that may be unique to a partiular place or group of people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is safe to say that the word “crikey” is a commonly used expression in Australia, as well as in the UK, Ireland, Newfoundland, and New Zealand. It is often used as a light-hearted exclamation of surprise or amazement, and can be heard in various contexts, from casual conversations to media and entertainment. While it may be considered a part of Australian slang, it is not exclusive to Australia and has been used in other English-speaking countries for many years. Overall, “crikey” is a fun and quirky word that adds to the rich and diverse language of Australia and beyond.
