Un-Australian Day
25 January, 2011
Macquarie is the dictionary of Australian English. But what entries would lie in the un-Australian version? Just imagine if all our ideals, our mores, our sense of self were held to ridicule. Should prove a great browse, and a lively Storm. As that’s your challenge, to suggest entries for this un-Australian tome.
Be bold. Be self-effacing. And try to sidestep libel, or the wrong kind of racism, and see if we can’t whip up a lexicon. Here are some suggestions:
Curfew – respectable hour, socially enforced, at which all revellers retire to bed
Ellis, Havelock – esteemed essayist on the Evolution of Modesty and autoeroticism
Ownership – accepting one’s problems as self-inflicted, with no thought of blaming government, the ozone or the referee
Postman’s Knock – parlour game for the entire family
Tapioca – sapid breakfast choice
Unison – in which the national anthem is sung
Random, I know. But let’s start the year with a spot of self-analysis, and a grin, and see if we can’t compile the best 26 entries – ideally one word, phrase or name for each letter. That way, in a most gung-ho effort, we may generate a future un-Oz edition.
Deadline is beer o'clock, Thursday. And have a great tandoori BBQ on Wednesday, one & all.
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