It'S a PRAWN oN tHe BaRbiE

Imagine, little old me sitting in an AFL (Australian Football League) game, surrounded by Aussies enjoying a bit too many Fosters, meat pies and sausage rolls. Me--did I mention we were in box seats?--trying desperately to understand why 18 plus men are on the pitch at one time, why they bounce it every dozen steps, why they pass it with their fists, why there are two goal posts per side...oh, and trying desperately to understand what the hell (not a swear here folks) they're all talking about.

This is my second trip to the land down under, but the first time I've really had time to sink into the culture. One of my favorite things about traveling (besides wandering around grocery stores) is not ticking off the "seen it" list, but hanging out with the locals, enjoying what they enjoy, eating what they eat, and laughing at what they find humorous.

Along with enjoying this lax bunch of God's green earth, I've learned a few slang words that open up the humor aspect (and the dietary consumption) more than any travel book ever will. A few of my favorites below in order of most heard:

1. Bogan = used to describe members of society that are a combination of rednecks and trailer park trash.

2. Occa = A thing or person characterized by their extreme Australian-ness

3. Ranga = person with red hair (derivative of orangutan)

4. Togs = bathing suit

5. Esky = cooler box

6. Avo = avocado

7. paw-paw = papaya

8. Chook = chicken

9. Footy = an AFL, Rugby League or Rugby Union game

10. Pinch = to steel something

11. Carnie = someone who has moved around a lot

12. Shiela = female human

13. Poof = a {cough} gay man

14. FOB = fresh off the boat from Samoa or Tonga
(I was proud, i already knew that one... because we use it too, but for any immigrant)

15. Abo = aboriginal