G’day mates! If you’ve ever found yourself down under in the land of kangaroos, you might have noticed that Australians have their own unique way of telling time. From the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the laid-back beaches of Perth and Cairns, let’s dive into the different ways Australians express time in both formal and informal settings. So, grab a cuppa and join us on this linguistically enlightening journey!
Table of Contents
Formal Time Expressions:
When it comes to formal interactions, such as business meetings, interviews, or official events, Australians typically follow the standard 12-hour clock system. Here are some common phrases and expressions you can use:
1. The Basic Format:
The most common way to express time in Australia is by stating the hour followed by “o’clock.” For example:
It’s 9 o’clock.
Remember, Aussies do not usually use the phrase “o’clock” when talking in informal contexts, so it’s primarily reserved for more formal situations.
2. Adding Minutes:
If you need to specify the minutes past the hour, you can simply add the desired number after the hour. For example:
It’s ten past nine.
In this example, “ten past” indicates that it is ten minutes after nine o’clock.
Here are a few more examples:
- It’s twenty-five to twelve. (35 minutes before twelve o’clock)
- It’s five past three. (three o’clock and five minutes)
- The train leaves at a quarter to four. (3:45)
Informal Time Expressions:
Australians are known for their laid-back and casual nature, and this reflects in their informal language as well. In casual settings, such as chatting with friends or family, Aussies tend to adopt a more colloquial approach when talking about time. Here are some common informal expressions:
1. Eliminating “o’clock”:
When speaking informally, Australians often omit the phrase “o’clock” and solely state the hour. For example:
It’s 5.
2. Substitute “past” with “after” or “to”:
In informal speech, you can use “after” or “to” instead of “past” or “to” when referring to the minutes. For instance:
It’s ten after nine.
It’s twenty to twelve.
Using these alternatives contributes to the relaxed, everyday language Australians are known for.
3. “Half Past” or “Half to”:
When the minutes are approximately thirty, Australians often use the phrases “half past” or “half to” instead of specifying the exact minute count. For example:
It’s half past six. (6:30)
It’s half to three. (2:30)
These phrases are commonly used in informal conversations and give a rough estimation of the time without being too specific.
Regional Variations:
While Australia is a vast country, the differences in time expressions across regions are minimal. However, there may be some slang or variations unique to certain areas. Let’s take a quick look:
1. Strine Time:
In some rural areas, especially in the outback, Australians may use “strine time,” a humorous and exaggerated dialect featuring unique phrases to tell time. For example, instead of saying “It’s nine o’clock,” an Australian might say:
It’s sparrow’s fart.
The expression “sparrow’s fart” implies the early hours of the morning, often associated with the sound of birds chirping at dawn.
2. Local Slang:
On occasion, you might encounter local slang for time in different regions across Australia. In Melbourne, for instance, you may hear the phrase “on the dot” instead of “o’clock.” Similarly, in Sydney, people might use the word “whack” instead of “o’clock.” While these regional variations exist, they are not as prevalent or widespread.
Remember, these are just fun and unique aspects of Australian culture, so don’t stress too much about regional variations when speaking about time!
So, whether you find yourself enjoying a shrimp (or prawn) on the “barbie” or sipping a “flat white” at a local café down under, now you know the formal and informal ways to express time in Australia. Embrace the Aussie lingo, enjoy the friendly conversations, and remember, there’s always time for a good chat!
