There are many things I dislike about Australia but also lots of things to love.

One thing I love is our language. We are so influenced by America and England, yet still maintain our own culture, reflected in our language.

Australians do say:

• Arvo for afternoon
• Service station or petrol station for gas station
• Gday – not so often but we do say it.
• Mate – often to lighten a harsh word or when you forget someone’s name
• Bumbag for fanny pack
• Thongs for flip flops
• Doona for duvet
• Chips for crisps and hot chips
• Barbie for bbq
• Ice block for popsicle
• Maccas for MacDonald’s
• Skivvy for polo shirt
• Trackies or tracky dacks for tracksuit pants
• Pants for trousers
• underpants for underwear
• Fairy floss for cotton candy

What we don’t say (or no one I know does or super rare):

• Crikey
• The c word
• Fair dinkum
• Koalas aren’t really called drop bears.

We do like vegemite. Like I love it. Alot.