Aussie Life
language
Albanese has spent the whole of his political life a member of Labor’s socialist left. As a result we get…
Aussie life
Now that Mr Albanese seems finally to have woken up to the problem of Australian antisemitism, nobody should be surprised…
Language
Speccie reader Reona writes to ask where the expression ‘peppercorn rent’ comes from. Well, there once was a time when…
Aussie life
In an exciting breakthrough in academic hygiene, the University of Adelaide is to install ‘squat toilets’ in new buildings. This…
Language
I have finally snapped! I have become so annoyed by lying halfwits misusing the word ‘genocide’ that I am going…
Aussie life
In Queensland, Victoria or New South Wales the cancellation of a writers’ festival would be an inconvenience. ‘Bummer,’ some people…
Language
Sometimes words are invented just because people wish there were such words – and (I suppose) wish that what they…
Aussie life
According to a Tokyo University study of dogs, we can disregard the usual male-female stereotypes, as their research shows boy…
Language
Recently on Mammamia.com Emily Vernem and Holly Wainwright complained about the rise of what they call ‘dawn culture’. They complain…
Aussie life
Did the Prime Minister drag his heels on new firearms legislation because he feared it might impact his cabinet? Until…
Language
As Australia continues to suffer from the evil of antisemitism a phrase (or three phrases if you count the different…
Language
In a column in the Daily Telegraph Andrew Bolt used the word ‘pretendian’. I conducted a careful search, and so…
Aussie life
Most dads will settle for their kids growing up happy, healthy and (reaches for nearest wooden surface) tattoo-free. It’s a…
Language
When something is partly good and partly bad, we used to say it was ‘a curate’s egg’. Odd expression. Why…
Aussie life
I’ve been an actor and satirist for forty years, and suddenly I’m told my words might be violent, requiring institutional…
Language
Antisemitism is a word I have written about more than once, but clearly, it’s a word we need to look…
Aussie life
Less than two months after its imposition, the world’s first children’s social media ban is already exceeding targets, with a…
Language
Let’s begin the year by summarising the ‘Words of the Year’ chosen by the world’s great dictionaries to represent last…
Aussie life
Driving up Noosa North Shore a few weeks ago we joined three other vehicles bogged in the soft sand. All…
Language
I heard ‘begging the question’ being misused (again!) on talkback radio. But let’s not blame the poor old broadcasters –…
Aussie life
Like mansplaining and body hair, the ability to hold and express conflicting opinions is probably something most people would hesitate…
Language
In the NSW parliament Premier Minns referred to another member as ‘mate’. Then an opposition member got up and took…
Aussie life
Lock up your babies, Brisbane; the Queensland government is considering lifting its ban on keeping dingos as pets. I had…
Language
There is an expression that is now quite common in America, although I don’t think I’ve heard it used in…
Aussie life
The Victorian government’s ‘treaty’ with the one per cent of its citizens who purport to be Aboriginal is unjust and…
