And paraprosdokian to you too!
What the…? If you’re having trouble even saying this word, here’s a pronunciation guide: pa-ra-prose-DOKEee-en. You might not immediately know the term, “paraprosdokian”, but you will definitely know...
View Article[Video] Word power! Words DO matter!
The words you use; the ones you choose, do matter. Words and language define our world and the way you use them can make a huge difference to you, to others and to the whole world around you. You...
View ArticleEmbarrassing mispronunciations – Part one
Are you someone who bristles with high dudgeon when you hear someone say ‘Ant-artica’ when referring to the frozen continent to the south? Or who insists on ordering a ‘cup-a-chino’ when you go for a...
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Embarrassing mispronunciations and word gaffs – Part Two
This is part two of common mispronunciations, ‘wrong words’ and how to avoid them. You can read Part One here. It can be awfully embarrassing to discover that you have been mispronouncing a word...
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It’s like yolo! Understanding millennial-speak
If you have found yourself overhearing a conversation between a couple of teenagers in recent years – or reading any of their text messages – you could be forgiven for thinking they were speaking a...
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Can you help the Macquarie Dictionary?
Australia’s own local dictionary, the Macquarie Dictionary, is looking for help. Like all dictionary publishers, the Macquarie Dictionary keeps pace with words and their definitions by drawing on the...
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Where did the word larrikin come from?
The word larrikin is about as Australian as you can get. We are proud of our larrikin streak and those who personify it like Paul Hogan’s character in his Crocodile Dundee movies. Or even Dawn Fraser...
View ArticleTraps and mishaps with the English language
The English language is a gift that keeps on giving. As long as it keeps evolving (and we keep contributing to the cause!), there will always be wonderful trivia and funny observations to enjoy. Here...
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[Video] Word crimes
In all Earnest, we do love language and grammar and never more than when we can have a laugh at it. Now that fabulous American satirical musician and performer, Weird Al Yankovic – famous for his pop...
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Australia has a new Word of the Year!
Lovers of language will be delighted to hear that Australia’s own Macquarie Dictionary has announced that the 2015 Word of the Year is ‘captain’s call’ – at least in the opinion of the Committee. Now...
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If you’re an Australian of a certain age…
Australians are well known for having a certain flair with the vernacular, both delighting and confusing overseas visitors with our slang, colloquialisms and quirky use of metaphors. But where do...
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