Australia Literature and Language

In Australian slang, "vegemite" can refer to someone who is considered uncool or unpopular. This term is derived from the popular Australian spread Vegemite, which has a strong and distinct taste.

"Son of Mine" by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (formerly Kath Walker) conveys the enduring impacts of colonization on Aboriginal families and communities. The poem explores themes of intergenerational trauma, loss of cultural identity, and the struggle for justice. Through the portrayal of a mother's love and concern for her son, the poem highlights the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in reclaiming and preserving their history and heritage in the face of oppression.

The author likely wrote "Storm Boy" to explore themes such as the bond between humans and nature, the impact of human activities on wildlife, and the lessons that can be learned from the natural world. The story may also serve as a commentary on environmental conservation and the importance of preserving ecosystems.

Well famine and hunger obviously! And the desperate need to find food. Bwalla uses the eagle as a guide to find food. That really is just the literal translation I see, there could be something between the lines as Kath Walker was an Aboriginal rights campaigner and successfully campaigned for the 1967 abolition of anti Aborigine sections of the Australian constitution, but I'm afraid I can't see it myself!

Kath Walker wrote "A Song of Hope" to inspire hope and unity among Indigenous peoples, as well as to raise awareness about issues such as discrimination, displacement, and loss of cultural identity. The poem highlights the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities despite historical injustices.

Some of Henry Lawson's most famous poems include "The Drover's Wife," "The Man from Ironbark," "The Loaded Dog," and "The Lights of Cobb & Co." These works are known for their portrayal of the Australian bush and its people with vivid imagery and themes of hardship and resilience.

The poem "The Man from Snowy River" by Banjo Paterson has a structured rhyming pattern. It consists of eight-line stanzas with an ABABABCC rhyme scheme. This consistent structure helps create a rhythmic flow to the poem, enhancing its storytelling aspect.

In the song "Waltzing Matilda," the swagman is the one who sleeps under the coolibah tree. He is a drifter who carries his belongings, or "swag," in a bag known as a "Matilda," and he meets a tragic end in the song.

Trailblazing is the term used in Australia.

The person on a 10 note can vary depending on the currency. In the U.S., Alexander Hamilton is on the $10 bill. In the UK, Charles Darwin is on the £10 note. In Australia, Dame Mary Gilmore is on the $10 note.

Mr. Percival is a pelican in the novel "Storm Boy" by Colin Thiele. He becomes a close companion to the main character, Storm Boy, and plays a significant role in the story's themes of friendship and conservation. The bond between Mr. Percival and Storm Boy teaches important lessons about empathy and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Banjo Paterson was a prolific poet, and a keen horseman. He was inspired by the story of "Jack Riley", the original Man from Snowy River. Riley had migrated to Australia in 1852, when he was 13, and he had earned his way and his reputation as an able stockman in the High Country near Corryong. Paterson was introduced to Jack Riley, and heard yarns of the stockman's adventures: it was these stories which inspired Paterson to write what is arguably his best-known poem.

"Boil the billy" is an Australian slang term that means to make a cup of tea or coffee by boiling water in a billy (a metal container). It is often used in the context of camping or outdoor activities.

Jackie French primarily writes for children and young adults. She is known for her engaging storytelling and ability to captivate readers of all ages.

To give something a "burl" means to try it out, usually for the first time.

Practical example: "We are having roast wombat for dinner. It tastes a bit like koala. Go on, give it a burl."

If something is "cactus", it is broken, doesn't work any more, or another great Australian idiom - "buggered".

Practical application = "Bugger! The motor threw a rod. It's cactus."

The term "mizzle" is more likely from English slang and means to "break camp" or to "depart quickly and quietly (due to the imminent arrival of the police)".

This means "can you come by my house this afternoon?"

English is the official language of Australia, so the Australian word for "love" is "love".

The term "swagman" originates from Australia, referring to itinerant workers who roamed the countryside in search of work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were known for carrying their "swag" - a bedroll containing their belongings. The swagmen became iconic figures in Australian folklore and culture.

AB 'Banjo' Paterson wrote hundreds of poems and bush ballads. Because some were unpublished, and many hardly known, exact figures are not available.

The website at the related link below lists around 333 works.