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> Of course, the use of the word “mate” is ubiquitous in Australia, and has slowly lost its old, comradely meaning. Not seldom now it can have a hostile ring, a
by thomasfoster96 9y ago
> Of course, the use of the word “mate” is ubiquitous in Australia, and has slowly lost its old, comradely meaning. Not seldom now it can have a hostile ring, as in “Whadaya think you’re doin’, mate?”
'Mate' now usually either implies condescension or social distance (or cultural cringe), at least in the south eastern states. International stereotypes of Australian language are yet to catch up.
- PhasmaFelis 9y agoThinking about it, it's hard to imagine (as an American) referring to someone as "friend" in a non-sarcastic way. Wonder if it's a similar thing.
- vacri 9y agoJimeoin had a bit years ago where he talked about the three kinds of 'mate' there were. There's the short, clipped 'mate' for when you're pissed off (oh, mate, got a parking ticket). There's the medium 'mate' when you see your friend arrive at the pub (maate, maate, how are ya). And the long 'mate'... for when you're about to ask to borrow something (maaaaaaaaaaayte...) :)