Language Profane, or Merely Vulgar?

[Oz Referee]

Originally posted by ChuckElias

My understanding is that this difference is reflected in more than just tolerance for "coarse" language. I've heard and read that sexual mores in Australia are much more relaxed than in the US. (Do you remember Nicole Kidman on the Letterman show when she said "crack a fat" and nobody knew what she was talking about till later?) Would you say that's true Oz, or is it just a case of the grass being greener on the other side of the ocean?

Chuck

Chuck, I would certainly agree. I had quite a bit of contact with American exchange students while at university - and many of them found the sexual attitude of Australians (and not just students) pretty amazing.

I also found that the majority of Americans have difficulty in comprehending Australian's humour - especially irony/sarcasm. Although as I have said here - referees seem to be the exception that prove the rule.

Australian's seem to focus more on how something is being said, rather than what is literaly being said.

A couple of examples:
- in Australia it is pretty much Ok to call someone a "poof" or refer to something as "gay". Very few people (homosexuals included) take offence.

- While in college, my girlfriend was coming to visit, and I hadn't seen her for about 3 months. I commented amongst a group of friends that I couldn't go out on Saturday night, because I would be "getting some". One of my mates said that maybe she wouldn't be in the mood, and I replied that after 3 months I didn't care if she was in the mood or not! The American student with us was completely offended - and even complained to the staff of the College!

- General conversation about sexuality is far more open, especially with parents.

- There are more sexual slang terms in Australian english than in just about any other language (email me for examples!)