NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL
HOW YOU CAN HELP SAVE AUSSIE NICKNAMES
If you know the difference between a bin chicken and a dunny budgie , then the ever-expanding Aussie dictionary needs you .
Among them is bin chicken , describing the scavenging bird more properly known as the ibis that is seemingly hot-wired to steal city-goers ’ sandwiches .
Not to mention the butchie – the native black and white butcher bird that serenades us from power poles and gum trees – maggie , chook , and mozzie .
Others , such as Noah ’ s arks ( sharks ) and brain-fever birds ( pallid cuckoos ), might produce puzzled looks but they ’ re all now in the Australian National Dictionary Centre ’ s ( ANDC ’ s ) collection of common Australian colloquial words .
The centre ’ s language experts , based at the Australian National University ( ANU ), are hoping to collect even more examples – and that ’ s where you can help . They are looking for new contributions , with a focus on plants and animals . “ They could be names you don ’ t often hear other people use , or names you knew as a child ,” ANDC senior researcher , Mark Gwynn , said .
Some are relatively simple , like gladdy for gladioli and wedgie for wedge-tailed eagles , while some are more colourful , like flying cane toad for the Indian myna bird and bushman ’ s clock for the kookaburra .
“ Australians are well-known for their use of colloquialisms and slang , and
this certainly extends into the natural environment ,” Mr Gwynn said .
“ From the terrifying saltwater crocodile undergoing the classic Aussie abbreviation to become saltie , to the tiny harmless woodlouse being called the slater or butchy boy , there ’ s probably not too many creatures that have missed out on a nickname .
“ We would love to add more of these colloquialisms to our record of Australian English . People might be surprised that some of these types of informal naming are quite widespread and , in some cases , quite old .”
“ We look forward to seeing some new contributions , but we ’ re also interested in finding out if some of the older colloquialisms are still out there ,” Mr Gwynn said . Each year the ANDC runs an appeal for contributions from the public for the Australian National Dictionary to build on the publication ’ s collection of Australian words and their origins .
“ Are people still calling blowflies dunny budgies , and when was the last time you heard someone say they were having underground mutton [ rabbit meat ] for dinner ?”
You can share your fauna and flora words via the ANDC Word Box feature https :// slll . cass . anu . edu . au / centres / andc / form / word-box or https :// slll . cass . anu . edu . au / centres / andc / contact-us
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DENTAL ANXIETY
with Tina Dhankhar Practice Manager , Round Corner Dental
Dental treatment can feel really frightening . If we have had an uncomfortable experience before , the anticipation of more pain is enhanced , and the anxiety can begin hours or even days before the appointment . Our nervous systems are in fight or flight mode and for some patients it can be seriously debilitating . As the dental team , understanding these feelings and having empathy is just about the most important thing you can provide for a nervous and fearful patient .
We find that for most people , knowledge is power over anxiety . Understanding the treatment process , the instruments and materials we use , and why we use them , can be incredibly effective in reducing anxiety .
This can also give our patients a sense of agency and control over their own treatment . If the noise sets your teeth on edge ( so to speak ), you are more than welcome to bring your air pods or noise-cancelling headphones if you prefer the sound of your favourite True-Crime podcast over the suction ! Sometimes , a little extra help is needed especially for children who are particularly anxious .
Dr Rina is qualified to provide Nitrous Oxide sedation , otherwise known as Happy Gas . Some of you readers may have experienced this before . It is a very safe form of sedation that is quick to work and quick to wear off . For children and adults alike , it really can transform your experience . If you have had a bad experience at the dentist or you suffer from dental anxiety , come and see us . Interested in sedation ?
Give me a call on ( 02 ) 9651 1806 and let ’ s chat .
Welcome to the friendliest dental practice in the Hills District .
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Come and meet Dr . Olivia and her team today .
Cosmetic Dentistry
Family & Children ’ s Dentistry
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Open Monday to Friday
Dr . Olivia Ignatiou
Suite 1 , 524 Old Northern Road DURAL ( 02 ) 9651 1806 www . roundcornerdental . com . au
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 105 // MARCH 2024 21