A dictionary of Australian colloquialisms

Abstract

Now available in a fourth, revised, and greatly expanded edition, A Dictionary of Australian Colloquialisms records the robustness and inventiveness of the Australian vernacular and provides a unique insight into Australian life and culture. This famous dictionary, first published in 1978 (ten years after Professor Wilkes began collecting), offers the first and the most recent colloquial coinages. Words and idioms are drawn from a wide range of historical and contemporary sources - chiefly newspapers, magazines and novels - and each entry is shown in context, with origins and derivations. Famous and enduring colloquialisms have as many as ten citations from original works, illustrating changing meanings and emphases. Almost three hundred colloquialisms have been added to the fourth edition, along with a scholarly introduction. New entries include Banana Republic, Broncos, Chardonnay socialist, the Dockers, Fair suck of the sauce bottle, Baggy green cap, I love youse all, Men and women of Australia, Multicultural, Get nicked, Placido Domingo, True Believer, Back to Work. Amusing, informative and up to date, A Dictionary of Australian Colloquialisms is a revealing guide to Australian language.

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