What is an Australian's favorite beverage ? .........Aussie BEER of course.
Australian's love their Beer so much they have developed a glossary of affectionate terms to describe "the golden amber", "the liquid gold", " the cold gold" or the "amber refreshment".
If you're "having a few beers" you might drink it out of a can or glass. Cans of beer are most common in Australia and contain 375ml /12 oz. Cans may be referred to as "tinnies", "tubes" or "coldies". Small short (375ml) bottles are called "stubbies". Large "oil cans" like those sold with Fosters in the US are rare in Oz but "big bottles" holding 750 ml are an old favorite for taking to Aussie parties, barbecues and "pissups".
The place where "the blokes go to down a few" is at the "Pub" (Public House). Pubs are Hotels found in every town throughout Australia. The Pubs are owned by the Breweries and were originally designed to provide food, beverage and accommodation for weary overland travelers. Besides "Pub", Hotels are sometimes referred to as "the rubbity dub" (rhymes with Pub), "the Poison Shop" or "the Boozer"
Each Pub has separate areas for drinking such as the "Public Bar", the haven for the thirsty beer drinking workMAN to "belly up".(You won't win any friends if you take a lady into the Public Bar.) Social drinking especially with the ladies is done in the "Saloon or Lounge Bar" and many Pubs have "Beer Gardens" for outdoor drinking at tables.
Beer here is imbibed in glasses pulled from kegs. Beer is ordered in "Middy"
sized glasses (285 ml or 10oz) or "Schooners" (425 ml or 15 oz).
Rarely does one ask for a "Ponie" (150ml,5oz). If you do you run
the risk of being called "a woos (rhymes with puss)", "a
wowser" or "a piker" definitely not a MAN.
As for Beer
Brands, in Sydney, Pubs serve mostly beer from Carlton United Breweries such
as Fosters or the more popular Victoria Bitter "Vicky Bitter"
or our favorite Reschs, and from Toohey's Brewery there's Toohey's
New, Red and Old (dark) beer. Light Beer ("unleaded") is also
available.
"A Shout" is a round of beers usually paid for by one member
of the party. Each person takes turn "shouting a round of beers"
paying for them at the time of delivery. (there is no divvying up a Bar Tab). Whatever
you do don't risk the disgrace of being called "a Bludger" or worse
if you don't shout a round when it's your turn. A few other pointers - Never insist
on paying for all the rounds it's frowned upon, and never ever over
Tip. (another topic)
Too much beer may result in a drunk or inebriated condition.
Many expressions refer to this condition such as "he's Chockers"
(chock a block full), or "he's Elephants" (Elephants trunk,drunk).
Other more mundane words include "loaded", "rotten","pissed","smashed",
"stonkers", "stinko" "well under"
or "zonked". Some of the more colorful expressions for being under
the weather include "full as a goog","pissed as a parrot",
"snakes hissed" or "shot full of holes".
Under these conditions you might have to throw up. Common coloquial terms to describe this indignant act might include "chunder", "spew" or "yodel". Descriptive expressions include "a liquid laugh","a technicolor yawn" or "praying at the porcelain altar".
Of course we dont advocate overdrinking and just as in the US hefty penalties and fines are enforced if you "Drink and Drive "Well Under" Downunder".
So enjoy a few Beers at the "Rubbity", Club, Barbie or other social
events with the "blokes and shelias" but remember don't over
do it
Your Mates
Bob & Bazza.
