Phrases and Symbols that Define 21st Century Australians
From the distinctive flash of green and gold at a sporting match, to the friendly “G’day mate” offered to a neighbour or friend, Australia has numerous symbols, phrases and icons that define us as a nation. But which of these really count to the everyday Aussie, and which have become just a distant stereotype of an Australia long-gone?
In this study from McCrindle Research, Australians spoke about which flags, symbols and language they are proud of, and which have fallen from grace.
“Mate” and “Arvo” come up trumps
Our national spirit is tied strongly to our words and phrases. And it seems that our unique Australian words are not only iconic, but well regarded by Australians. Top of the list was “mate” at 65.6% extremely/very proud of this word, 2nd was “g’day” (60.7% extremely/very proud) followed by “arvo”, “tucker” and “snags”.
Top 5 “best regarded”
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Top 5 “most uncomfortable”
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However of all Australian terms, “arvo” is the most used by Australians (73.2% use this term) followed by “g’day” (71.1%).
“Our unique language is still a strong part of our national brand. From our colourful language to our unique humour, the Aussie lexicon is one of fun. Only in Australia is a redhead called “Bluey”, and a stranger is called “mate.”
However there is some well recognised local slang that Australians feel uncomfortable using. The top 5 words which Autralians hesitate to use, are “Cobber”, “Sheila”, “Strewth”, “Dunny” and Crikey”.
We have affection for iconic Aussie phrases with “No worries” a clear winner (73.7% extremely/very proud), followed by “G’day mate“ (71%) and “She’ll be right” (56.7%).
Many phrases were well known and well regarded but considered too ocker to be used in general speech, and topping this list was “not within coo-ee” (just 12% of Australians have used this phrase), “woop-woop” (13% use this term) and “dinky-di” (18%).
Top 5 “best regarded”
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Top 5 “too ocker”
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The ubiquitous chant “Aussie aussie aussie – oi oi oi” split Australians, but overall was rated more positively (45.5% proud) than negatively (37.5% uncomfortable).
“As Australians we love our iconic phrases and particularly those that communicate our down-to-earth attitude and community values. From the relaxed “no worries” to the generous “too easy”, and anything ending in “mate”, our favoured phrases radiate warmth.” Mark McCrindle, Social Researcher
“However there is a self consciousness and even a cringe factor which sets in with words like ‘cobber’, ‘sheila’ and ‘stone the crows’. We have affection for our quirky language but this is balanced with a 21st Century sophistication,”
As further evidence of embracing our language, Australians are pushing back on the Americanization of spelling. Less than 1 in 20 Australians (4.5%) embrace American standard spelling (color, organize, center etc) with almost 4 in 5 Australians (79%) strongly or significantly opposed to the trend.
The proud Aussie flag and the problematic Southern Cross
We love the flag (79% of Australians are extremely or very proud of the Australian flag) and the “Australian Made” symbol (67.1% very/extremely proud) but have mixed views on the Southern Cross symbol. Both the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Boxing Kangaroo had a larger proportion of Australians who were proud of them, while 1 in 4 Australians (23%) were “slightly” or “very” uncomfortable in the use of the Southern Cross. Only the Eureka Flag had a higher “discomfort rating”.
“Australians have always been proud of their nation, but in an understated, assumed-not expressed manner. Of recent years this patriotism has been more visible, particularly seen through a fond embrace of the Australian flag.”
“Yet it is not surprising that in this land of the “fair go” symbols which articulate exclusivism rather than belonging decline in popularity. The Eureka Flag has long been viewed this way, being joined more recently by the Southern Cross,”
Our Icons in order of “most proud”
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1. Australian Flag
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2. Australian Made
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3. Australian Aboriginal Flag
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4. Boxing Kangaroo
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5. Southern Cross
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6. Eureka Flag
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For more information
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