Writing this article is a “Strine” and a bit of Bristolian

For those of you who do not know, over the past couple of months I have suffered a couple of strokes. Those of you who have written items for publication and posted them to me. I have now passed on your items to the Editor.

But fair crack of the whip I thought. The Editor and the readers will be expecting an article or two from me. So like a galah I put fingers to the keyboard and decided to write about “Strine”. I must be a drongo to even contemplate such a project in my present state. But I bet you a penny to the pound (or quid) you will remember some of the terminology that I will be using in this article.

I can remember going to the rubbudy dub or the rissole to join a mate or two in a shout. We’d gather round and tell yarns to each other. We didn’t drive but we used Shank’s pony to get there and after a few hours and pissed as a parrot we’d stagger home again. Strewth those were the days, After a few bevies in your belly you’d strike up the courage to chat to some sheila.

Well stone the flaming crows. I lost track of the time. I’ve been flat out like a lizard drinking, thinking of what grouse sayings to mention. If I don’t finish this article the Editor is going to have my garters for guts.

Seriously though language is forever changing. Back in the 1960s I used to catch a train from a railway station. Have you noticed that journalists and others now use the term “Train station”? Is it because of what I am used to or do I imagine that “Railway station” seems to run smoother. The Aussie way of talking is not the same as it was. My grandson uses the word “Bro” as one would have once said “mate” in conversation with friends. But this is not new as we would have little understanding of the English language of Chaucer or Shakespeare.

Regional dialects also effect the way we talk or understand. When I was a small child it was still common to hear in Bristol, England people still using the words Thou and Thee and to hear the Bristolian accent spoken you would think that sub-titles should be used for translation into everyday English. My father often said even upto the time he died “’ow biz thee?” meaning “How are you”. My wife is deep into family history and we always watch “Who Do You Think You Are”, however I am waiting for the Bristolian version of that TV programme – namely “Oo dust fink dee bis?” Which as you would imagine would be the Bristolian translation.

Language is fascinating whether it be strine, Bristolian, Cockney, Liverpudlian or any other form of “English”. I would love to hear what you have to say on the subject or maybe write a article or two using a regional variation of English.

Don’t forget to contribute your memories and also any old photographs that you would like to see published in this magazine’s “as we were” section.

NOW WHAT ABOUT YOUR MEMORIES OR YOUR STORY.

You can write about childhood memories of where you may have grown up or moving into the area. Tell us about your school days. Where you worked, played or went on holidays; your first car; that first date, getting married or maybe the history of your family, group or organisation in the district. This page is about memories so tell us yours.

If you have some great memories, or perhaps you belong to a local community organisation and would like to share your organisation’s history or story with us then feel free to share your memories or experiences by writing to 17 Rose St., Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 or email to [email protected]

You can also share memories on any of my Facebook memories groups including Hills District Memories which you will find at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hills.memories/ or Hawkesbury Happenings & Memories which you will find at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hawkesmemories/