Tag: Australian National Dictionary
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Introduction to the Australian National Dictionary Second Edition: Part Two
Editor Bruce Moore, in his Introduction to the dictionary, describes the history and methodology of this significant work of Australian lexicography. We reproduce the first part of the Introduction here. Read Part One of the Introduction to the Australian National Dictionary second edition. History of the Editing In the early period of research for the…
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Introduction to the Australian National Dictionary Second Edition: Part One
Editor Bruce Moore, in his Introduction to the dictionary, describes the history and methodology of this significant work of Australian lexicography. We reproduce the first part of the Introduction here. The Australian National Dictionary (hereafter AND) is a dictionary based on historical principles, and it is therefore concerned with the way the words that make…
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Legacies of Politicians
Politicians as a species are known for their lyrical, and sometimes ludicrous, use of language. Australian politicians are no exception and our parliamentarians, senators, and even prime ministers have had a role in shaping Australian English. But pollies don’t deserve all the credit – in turn, they benefit from the relaxed banter that is typical…
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Oxford Word of the Month – October: Flagfall
flagfall – noun: 1 An initial minimum hiring charge for a taxi, as part of the overall fare. 2 A fixed initial charge incurred when making a call on a mobile phone. Today mobile phone charges in Australia may include a flagfall fee—a fixed amount that is part of the cost of the call. The…
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Oxford Word of the Month – September: CUB
CUB – noun: an affluent bogan. In an article in the Australian newspaper under the headline ‘Bogan is not a dirty word’, Terry Barnes wrote about the people who live in his south-east Melbourne suburb of Patterson Lakes: ‘Patto’s’ culture is dominated by so-called cashed-up bogans (CUBs), people mostly educated in the University of Life,…
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Oxford Word of the Month – August: Tip turkey
tip turkey – noun: the white ibis, Threskiornis moluccus, often regarded as a pest in urban areas because of its scavenging at tips, etc. The Australian white ibis, Threskiornis moluccus, is widespread across Australia, and naturally inhabits wetlands where it feeds on small invertebrates, especially crustaceans. As part of the ibis family the white ibis…
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Oxford Word of the Month – July: Hoon operation
Hoon operation (also anti-hoon operation, hooning operation) – noun: a police campaign targeting dangerous drivers. A 2015 media release by the Queensland Police Service stated: Police are investigating after a vehicle allegedly evaded them and later crashed at Yatala following a targeted hoon operation late last night. (Australian Government News, 12 April) The term hoon…