How Ya Goin'

G’Day Mate. This is the greeting that is most commonly used here in Australia. In fact, there are many different ways to say many different things here. I was so surprised by many of them that I think I will share a few of them with you.

1. Doona: blanket
2. Capiscum: bell pepper
3. Trolley: shopping cart
4. Pram: stroller
5. How you goin’: how are you doing?
6. Mate: friend
7. Chewy: gum
8. Ta: thanks
9. Tea: dinner/supper
10. Chemist: pharmacist
11. Maccas: McDonald's
12. Swimmers: Bathing Suit
13. Tomato Sauce: Ketchup

It took me a while to figure out what these words all meant and I am starting to use them in my everyday language. I often find myself converting back to the Canadian way of saying things and that only gets me weird looks and often I get made fun of. I even get made fun of when I don’t understand what the Aussies are trying to say…especially if it something that means the complete opposite or means something completely different than what I am thinking. Oh well…one day I’ll get it as I continue my quest to becoming an Aussie!