Wonky Talk

I've had to smile with embarrassment and ask, "What does that mean?" quite a few times here. Thick accents and special pronunciation make even common words literally unrecognizable to the untrained ear at times. Add that to the variety of great vocab we're getting used to and daily conversations can be an excellent brain exercise. Beyond the expected "G'day mate" (which truly is the normal greeting here - no lie):

jumper (sweater)
boot (trunk of car)
bonnet (hood of car)
nappies (diapers)
chooks (chickens)
canteen (cafeteria)
lollies (candies)
biscuits/bikkies (cookies/crackers)
brekkie (breakfast)
people mover (minivan)
crook (ill)
fortnight (two weeks)
ute (truck)
rubbish bin (garbage can)
trolley (shopping cart)
heaps (lots)
cross (angry)
capsicum (sweet peppers)
sultanas (raisins)
lemonade (sprite)
squash (flavored soda)
rubber (eraser)
cordial (punch concentrate)
spare (extra)
"haytch" (h)
surgery (doctor's clinic)
theatre (surgery)
tea (snack)
have a go (try)
mum (mom)
barbie (grill)

Of course, many of those have a British background, and spelling is often different too (this actually works to Will's advantage, but not Kenna's) ie: colour, reflexion, learnt, aeroplane, tyre, mould, pyjamas, kerb, licence, maths, chequer, aluminium, centre

The kids are even starting to correct me like when I ask if they want some "cookies." Kenna in particular is really picking up the accent especially when I catch her chatting with her friends at school. It's pretty sweet.