Australian Slang Creative Writing Project

DIRECTIONS: Write a creative story using as many of the Australian slang terms (found on the opposite side of the page) as possible. Here are a couple of other requirements:

I expect you to use your best spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Your story should convey some sort of information about life in Australia.
Your story should be in the realm of something that is really possible, not fantasy.
Your story should show simple examples of plot, plot climax, and characterization.
Your story should be approximately one page typed using double spacing and 12 pt. font that is easy to read.

Your final grade for this project will be based on the criteria listed above.

Glossary of Common Australian Slang Words and Phrases

amber nectar -- beer

ANZAC -- Australia and New Zealand Army Corps

back of beyond -- far away in the outback

bail up -- to rob

billabong -- a watering hole

bludger -- a sponge who lives off the labor of others

cobber -- a friend

cuppa -- a cup of tea

digger -- Australian solider

g'day -- hello, good day

good on ya -- well done, general term of approval

jackaroo -- apprentice cowboy, station (farm) hand

jumbuck -- sheep

Kiwi -- New Zealander

larrikin -- boozy, anti-authoritarian, mischievous fellow

mate -- friend, buddy

outback -- the bush, the interior of Australia, or desert country

plonk -- cheap wine

Pom or Pommy -- an English person

swagman -- a vagabond, a tramp

up a gum tree -- in a bad situation

vegemite -- black, yeast based bread spread

walkabout -- travel on foot for long distances

wowser -- a do-gooder

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