What successful migrants learn quickly: communicating the Aussie way!

When I first migrated to Australia I was told that they speak English in Australia so as an Indian educated in convent school I thought I should have no issues. However, when I actually started working in Australia, I realised that they also speak English, but mainly speak Australian English. I slowly realised this English has little to do with the English spoken in England. At work, most of my colleagues used to practice a string of words, slang, sayings and idiom which I had never heard of before in my life! It took me some time to understand what they really meant.

 They say when in Rome act like Romans. A language tells you a lot about your new country. It took me some time to learn the Australian way of talk. If you are working in the countryside Australia you will get a newer version with each assignment! Besides ‘G’day’ Australians are known to be easy going, friendly & talkative sort of people. So here are some my secret gems of Aussie talk that I have overheard. If you have migrated here, you need to learn to communicate in this Aussie way. To have a successful career you need a mastery of this talk at work so that you can bridge the communication gap.

 Hit the deck running: There is no or little training available; you have to contribute from day one.

Champagne taste on a beer budget: Want good things without wanting to pay

I was about to send search party: Where were you and why are you so late?

Look like a train wreck today: Very bad or shabby appearance

Get the drift of my question? Do you understand what I am saying or meaning?

Blimey/Crickey: Surprised emotion without any meaning duhuh?

Yo done yor dash?: Tried your options

Yo havin a go? Are you making fun of me or him or the situation in context?

Jack of all trades: Generalist who does everything a little bit.

On cloud nine: Really feeling good

Spit the dummy: Being really angry

Gone walkabout: Gone missing or gone away

When push comes to shove: Very little alternative

More bang for your buck: better value also 'make a quid': earn some money

Horses for Courses: Each to their own

Mates Rates: Discount offering

Didn’t come down in the last shower: Don’t tell me lies, also known as 'Cock a Bull story'

Down the gurgler: wasted or lost

Cop it sweet: Just got lucky

Up my Klacker: Right behind, too close for comfort.

Got the flick: Lost the job or let go also known got the axe.

Call a spade a spade: Tell it like it is, don’t hide anything

The jury is still out: No decision is yet made, not sure, not final, awaited

It’s in bag: We won it or won the contract or have got the deal/job

 As a Career Coach with proven track record for helping new migrants secure jobs, I do get asked from time to time about communication so thought I should highlight some interesting ones. This is just a tip of the iceberg. Check out www.careersreborn.com for more such useful articles and blogs and do add some more of these excellent Aussie expressions if you can in the comments.