G’day mate! If you’re looking to learn how to say “rock paper scissors” in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. This popular hand game, also known as “roshambo” in some parts of the world, is a great way to settle friendly disputes and make decisions in a fair and fun way. Whether you’re in formal settings or just having a casual chat with your Aussie mates, we’ll cover all the variations and regional differences. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Rock Paper Scissors in Australia
When it comes to formal situations, like playing rock paper scissors in professional environments or in official settings, Australians tend to stick to the traditional phrase “rock paper scissors.” It is concise, universally understood, and avoids any confusion. So, feel free to confidently say “rock paper scissors” when you find yourself in a formal game or event.
Informal Ways to Say Rock Paper Scissors in Australia
While the formal phrase is widely used, Australians, being known for their laid-back and informal nature, often use some quirky and playful variations. These alternative phrases are mostly used amongst friends, family, or in casual settings. Here are a few examples:
1. “Roshambo”
This term is borrowed from the French word “roche,” which means rock. Some Australians prefer the French term “roshambo” instead of the English version. It adds a touch of international flair and can be seen as a more sophisticated way of saying rock paper scissors.
2. “Scissors, Paper, Rock”
Think Australian English is the same as American English? Think again! In Australia, some people reverse the order and say “scissors, paper, rock” instead of “rock, paper, scissors.” It’s a small linguistic quirk that adds a unique Aussie twist to the game. So, don’t be surprised if you hear this variation during your stay Down Under!
3. “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe”
Although not directly related to “rock paper scissors,” many Australians use the popular rhyme “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” as an informal way to make random choices. When unable to use their hands for a game of rock paper scissors, Aussies might resort to this playful alternative.
Regional Variations
While the main ways of saying rock paper scissors are fairly consistent across Australia, there might be some subtle regional variations. Let’s take a quick look at a few of them:
1. Queensland
In the sunshine state of Queensland, locals sometimes affectionately refer to the game as “rocksies.” It’s a simple abbreviation but still carries the same meaning as the traditional phrase. Keep an ear out for this variation if you’re up north!
2. Victoria and Tasmania
In Victoria and Tasmania, you may come across the term “paper scissors rock” instead of “rock paper scissors.” It’s a slight rearrangement of the words, but it’s just as common and widely understood as the traditional phrase.
3. Western Australia
On the west coast of Australia, some locals prefer to say “scissors paper stone” instead of “rock paper scissors.” While this variation is not as common as the others, you might encounter it in casual conversations.
Australia is a diverse country, and regional variations can add an extra layer of excitement and uniqueness to everyday situations. So, embrace the melting pot of linguistic differences as you explore the Land Down Under!
Conclusion
Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, understanding how to say “rock paper scissors” in Australia is an absolute must. In formal situations, stick to the traditional “rock paper scissors.” However, if you find yourself amongst friends or in a casual setting, feel free to embrace the playful variations like “roshambo,” “scissors, paper, rock,” or even resort to the classic “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” rhyme. Keep in mind that regional variations like “rocksies” in Queensland, “paper scissors rock” in Victoria and Tasmania, or “scissors paper stone” in Western Australia might pop up, adding a touch of local flavor. Just remember to have fun and keep that Aussie spirit alive!
