Comments for Teach'N'Traveller

Comment on Australian Slang: 25 Essential Words and Phrases by Fleur

Fleur — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:58:36 +0000

Loved these definitions although some were a bit “iffy” ( “dodgy”, not quite right) Not sure if I would use “fairdinkum” to describe the price of a mango. It is more of a surprised comment on the authenticity of the comment.
A few others that may have bypassed you are - “bun fight” ususally referring to a activity that ended in chaos. Another one close to my heart - “No worries” directly refers to something being “not a problem” , “happy to oblige”, “thank you for your praise” etc. This is used as often as possible for any situation.

Fleur - A Fairdinkum Aussie

Comment on Melbourne: for the Coffee Lovers by Grace

Grace — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:07:20 +0000

Living here I can vouch for the fantastic caffeine hits…. I can tell you I am addicted for sure!
There are a few spots here in Melbourne town though I would recommend if you are out and about….
Flinders Lane: Journal (the front of the CAE library) great atmosphere as well as coffee!
Degraves Street (off flinders st) Degraves espresso bar…mmmmm
Spring St: The European …great food and wine too.
Bridge rd, Richmond: Kojo brown – great for brunch and lunch also

There are great café’s in what ever laneways you walk through the CBD.
It is true though, you become to be fussy even about the brand of coffee bean you will drink.
Be open minded and try everything to start off with, then you will find some of your own favourite places.

Comment on Australian Slang: 25 Essential Words and Phrases by Claire

Claire — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Loved this article! Many familiar phrases, but also cleared up a few I was too embarassed to asked about. Written so well — cracker!

Comment on Australian Slang: 25 Essential Words and Phrases by Alysha

Alysha — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:16:25 +0000

Let’s not forget Pub LingO :

“Pot” = half the size of a pint of beer

“Hot Chips” = French Fries (they will stare at you)

Comment on My Three Favourite Laneways in Melbourne by Teach’N'Traveller | Melbourne Activities: what to see and do within the city

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:01:13 +0000

[...] to see Melbourne’s Central Business District. I have previously written about both the food and the laneways in Melbourne but they are definitely one of the quaintest features of Melbourne’s [...]

Comment on Tasty and Affordable Restaurants in Melbourne by Teach’N'Traveller | Melbourne Activities: what to see and do within the city

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:51:40 +0000

[...] more north to see Melbourne’s Central Business District. I have previously written about both the food and the laneways in Melbourne but they are definitely one of the quaintest features of [...]

Comment on Australian Slang: 25 Essential Words and Phrases by Teach’N'Traveller | How to Write an Australian Report Card

Teach’N'Traveller | How to Write an Australian Report Card — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:10:01 +0000

[...] previously teaching 25 Essential Australian Words and Phrases, I felt it was only fair to show you the language of academia in Australia as [...]

Comment on Let’s talk about a little phrase “so gay” by Alysha

Alysha — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:05:19 +0000

Hey Ms Teacher,

(That’s a great name by the way) thanks for your thoughts. I agree with you. I wonder if historically, there has always been language (within the same language) that has been used to isolate and perjore a group. These terms really seem to haunt the English language, no matter what country you are in.

Or, maybe it’s popular culture’s continual inclusion of them in films (and other media) as the forever punchline. I’m thinking about how I felt after seeing “The Departed”. I’ll post that discourse.

Comment on Let’s talk about a little phrase “so gay” by ms_teacher

ms_teacher — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:55:21 +0000

When I hear students saying “so gay”, it is one of the things that really bothers me. I also dislike them using the “n” word, even though I know that it’s a cultural thing. My other peeve is using the word “retard” or “retarded” because I have a younger sibling who is mentally/physically retarded.

When phrases are used pejoratively, it’s never a good thing. However, when my black students use the “n” word, I understand that they are using it in a much different way than someone who is a racist uses it. I think the gay community often uses words that those of us on the outside would probably cringe at, but again, it’s a way of embracing a word that has been used to demean in the pass and take away the stigma that’s associated with it.

(wow! I wrote much more than I anticipated. Sorry about that!)