Darwin Languages - Local Outback Slang and Outback Lingo in tropical Darwin

Yes we speak english.

There is some unconventional english in our local dialect around Darwin. As the miners, chaps from the cattle stations or oil rigs come to town to relax you may hear it a bit stronger.

Here we suggest a few sayings or words you may encounter on your stay in Darwin.

Now as a word or saying may have a few variances in meaning we suggest you not use it though just know what it usually means so you can have a laugh when you hear it.

You will note Australian's love humour and many offer sarcasm in jest. We often make a witty remark in the most dire of circumstances. Such as a cyclone is about to come your way and your mate say's 'Blimey mate better stock up on the beer'. True the last Cyclone 'Monica' that came through this general area - I was at Northlakes Shopping Centre the day before and I saw many trolley's full of beer coming out and being loaded on utes with a dog at the back - You just had to laugh. "Only in Darwin'.

As Darwin now has a large number of folks moving here from south our langauge has mellowed over the last 20 years since i have been here. As you venture into the outback it becomes much more noticable. Also I noticed that lingo meaning can vary between the states in Australia

The other interesting aspect of the way we speak is some of us speak very quickly and the further you go into the outback we often tend to draw out our words. The reason we tend to speak quickly that was offered to me when I first arrived in Darwin was that it gave you more time to drink. (That's Darwin). Interesting note we now comsume wine and spirit's nearly as much as we do beer. Note: The author doesn't drink and yes he is a true Darwinian.

Another interesting aspect of Darwin is the dogs. They live like kings and everyone seems to have 1-2. A typical scene at 5.30 pm on a Friday is a ute (4WD with a tray back) towing a tinnie (smaller fishing boat) and a dog in the front passenger seat with it's head out the window gulping at the fresh air on Stuart Highway.

Why not have a look our lingo/slang if your visiting from overseas it's fun.

We don't suggest you use it unless your with locals who are friends as the sayings may sometimes a few different types of meaning.

Pollie

To wait

Ahhhhhhhh - Now best in Darwin to wait your turn. It may seem on the rare occassion some staff in front of you don't care and are too busy on the phone talking about tonight's dinner or chatting to someone about their brothers aunties sisters cousins daughters husband's next door neighbours xmas party. If you patiently wait your turn they will spend dedicated time with you. This is Tropical Darwin - so relax and enjoy it's quaint ways!!!!

(David A. this is decidated to your experience in Darwin hahaha)