18 Totaly Australian Things That Confuse Americans

McDonald’s is Macca's, and one of the country's favorite dishes is canned spaghetti and toast.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• June 25, 2022

In core, Australia and the United States share many similarities. Both are enormous land masses with a largely English-speaking population, ancient native populations, and European cultures that have only lately settled. Both are democracies with meritocracies at their core.

Both cultures are materialistic, and both are open to new ideas and taking risks in business. Furthermore, Australians, like Americans, are known for their hard work and focus on results.

However, even though they are so similar when it comes to some basic, in-depth qualities, they are so different when it comes to details, customs, and language expressions. And that's completely normal.

They are, after all, on the opposite corners of the world.

And it's that difference that makes lives amusing for people relocating from one country to another. Migrating to a new location is a very typical occurrence nowadays, especially since we have all of the resources we need to prepare: study the language, learn more about the area, ask for advice, and discover individuals who can assist us on our journey.

The options for learning more about a country are limitless. People, on the other hand, cannot be prepared for everything, which is where the fun begins.

People learn to adjust to a new environment by getting lost and experiencing culture shock. We have selected some of the most interesting differences that Americans who moved to Australia noticed, and you are going to love them:

1. Americans are often perplexed as to what language Australians actually speak.

From nail technicians to acquaintances and friends or acquaintances, everyone wants to know what language you're speaking. Interestingly, English isn't their first choice.

2. They're baffled by the idea of canned spaghetti and toast, which is one of Australia's finest inventions.

Spag on toast is an unrivaled culinary experience that everyone should enjoy at least once.

3. They have a hard time grasping the fact that biscuits in Australia are sweet and served with a cup of tea.

Biscuits aren't savory scones, and they shouldn't be served during dinner, just so you know. 

Not in Australia, at least.

4. And fairy bread is one of Australia's most significant contributions to the world.

Nothing beats hundreds sprinkles and thousands sprinkles with a slough of crumbs strewn across a slice of fresh, butter-slathered white bread.

ICYMI, per Wikipedia:

"Some American manufacturers deem the elongated opaque sprinkles the official sprinkles. In British English, these are sugar strands or hundreds-and-thousands (the latter term alludes to their supposed accountability)."

5. Americans adore sweet pastries, and it's nearly too much to bear when it comes to meat pies and sausage rolls.

Sausage rolls, with their buttery, flaky layers of pastry and variety of tasty fillings, are a popular choice for any lunch in Australia. They're also one of the most convenient and practical lunches to eat on the fly.

6. Australian lingo is one of the most difficult things for Americans to grasp.

"Righto mate, we're goin' for a Macca's brekky run, then off to Nandos for a feed, cos mum’s cooked sausi rolls for dinner and they're rank. Don't forget, we need to stop at the servo for some durries, but avoid the Tulla cos it's chokkers at 6 p.m. and nothin' winds me up like c*nts on the freeway." — Every Australian.

7. They think phrases like "punching darts" and "having a durry" are phoney.

It implies that you are going to smoke a cigarette.

8. Americans are baffled as to why we insist on celebrities drinking from their shoes.

While yelling at your favorite celebrities to "Do a shoey!" may come naturally to an Aussie, I've got to tell you, most Americans are grossed out by the idea of people drinking beer out of their shoes. 

9. They also have a hard time embracing the fact that most nicknames finish in "azza."

Dazza, Bazza, and Shazza, my personal favorite.

10. Oh, and what about AC/DC? In Australia, they're referred to as Acca Dacca.

11. Another thing that Americans find difficult to comprehend is how Christmas is celebrated in Australia throughout the summer.

We don't receive a "white Christmas," to be sure. On Christmas Day, though, having freezing cold beers, a BBQ, fresh seafood, and pavlovas is SO much better.

12. They seem to believe that Australia is a sunny paradise all year, despite the fact that this is plainly not the case.

It pours, hails, and even snows in some locations.

13. When Americans learn that Ausies eat kangaroo, one of the national animals, they are perplexed.

It's not only tasty, but it's also extremely lean, making it a nutritious alternative that's also readily available.

14. And, despite the fact that Australia is theoretically in the future due to the time difference, we always receive the best things last.

Are you looking forward to seeing a new film? Do you have to watch the season finale of your favorite television show?

Best wishes. You're attempting to download a huge file. Set aside a few days for this.

15. They don't understand why Australians aren't as enthusiastic about Halloween as Americans. Magpie swooping season is defined by three words:

Swooping Season is featured in the latest installment of "Everything In Australia Is Trying To Kill You." Magpies grow ferociously during the breeding season every year as spring arrives.

Pedestrians and cyclists alike are at risk of being swooped, assaulted, and intimidated by these dreadful creatures. Who needs Halloween, after all?

16. Don't even bring up the metric system with Americans.

We're all familiar with the old metric versus the imperial system. However, ordering 500g of sliced gouda from an American deli clerk is a one-way trip to the back of the line.

17. They don't understand why Australians confuse lemonade with Sprite.

We opted to make the word more of an umbrella term because lemonade prepared from lemons is a hard thing to find in Australia. Lemonade can be found in Sprite, Pub Squash, and Bundaberg.

18. They don't comprehend why the country's favorite Sunday supper may be found at the local hardware shop.

Bunnings sausage sizzle is a blessing from God.

Another interesting difference is the humor. Australians have a dry and weird sense of humor, and they frequently say the direct opposite of what they intend.

Americans, on the other hand, communicate in a very direct manner, and sarcasm can fall flat on its face. These distinctions should be kept in mind by all sides.

Damjan