VCE English Language Unit 3&4

Qi Qing Zhu ©

VCE English Language

Units ¾ Essay Paragraph
Preparation

Table of Contents
Preface: .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Informal Language: ............................................................................................................................ 3
- Neologisms and Linguistic Innovation................................................................................. 3
- Covert Slang and its SP ........................................................................................................ 4
- Profanity for good – profanity which is accepted ............................................................... 5
- Profanity for bad – profanity that is not tolerated ............................................................. 7
Formal Language:............................................................................................................................... 8
- Discriminatory Language ..................................................................................................... 8
- PC........................................................................................................................................ 11
- Jargon ................................................................................................................................. 16
- Euphemisms ....................................................................................................................... 20
Australian English: ........................................................................................................................... 25
- Australian slang and identity (old, new) ........................................................................... 25
- Neologisms changing the face of AE & contemporary Australian Identity ...................... 26
- Standard Australian English (SAE) and its role in Australian Society ............................... 27
- Ethnolects........................................................................................................................... 29
- Aboriginal English .............................................................................................................. 30
Individual and Group Identity: ......................................................................................................... 31
- Covert Slang and Identity .................................................................................................. 31
- Teenspeak and Identity ..................................................................................................... 32

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Preface:

Hey everyone!

I’m Qing, a 2022 graduate of Melbourne High and was fortunate enough to receive a 45 Study Score
in VCE English Language and 99.90 ATAR.

English is indeed a very important subject, and I’m sure for many of you reading this document right
now, your priority is to secure a high study score and ensure you obtain a fine ATAR.

This document will focus primarily on preparing English Language Paragraphs. As you’ll begin to see
throughout the year, the Essay component on the Englang exam is heavily reliant on your ability to
collate various media examples throughout the year, together with a few linguist quotes, and use them
to back up your essay contention.

Now, due to the fact that essay topics generally appear in set, prescribed themes, it is absolutely
imperative that you have a document set up that is similar to this one. This document will essentially
form the crux of your essay paragraphs, and I have set it out in a manner which makes it very easy to
navigate through and revise.

Take, for example, Euphemisms. Euphemisms can in fact be used to either avoid things or topics
which are taboo, or act as a mendacious cloak to veil the unpleasant truth in either politics or business.
As you’ll see, this document has subtitles for each, from which media examples are then grouped
underneath.

This formed the bedrock of my revision for the Essay and I’m sure it will be very helpful. Please do
note that some (if not most) of the following media examples may be out of date and will require you
to do some searching yourself. Aside from that, please also don’t feel limited or restrained by the
following subtitles, English Language is a mammoth subject and I’m sure there are many other
arguments and opinions which you can explore/delve into!

Cheers, and wishing you all every success in VCE and beyond!

Qing

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Informal Language:
- Neologisms and Linguistic Innovation

‘Verging on jingoism in his celebration of Australia’s informal lexicon, Australian philologist Sidney
Baker breathed: ‘It is a manifestation of vitality and restless imagination.’

- #djokovid
o In light of controversies and uncertainty surrounding Djokovic’s visa and his
eligibility to compete in the Australian Open, the neologism and hashtag #djokovid
was seen across all social media platforms.
§ The blending of the Proper Noun ‘Djokovic’ and acronym ‘COVID’ to form
‘Djokovid’, lexically and conceptually merges Djokovic and the recent
pandemic.
o In doing so, it highlights Djokovic’s unvaccinated and potentially deleterious state –
promoting the rhetoric that he is acting highly irresponsibly amidst the face of the
pandemic.
- Coining such neologisms enables Australians to let free of their imaginations, to allow
their language to morph into accordance with their attitudes, and ultimately serves as
an emotional catharsis through innovative word play.

- ‘Strollout’
o In late 2021, the Macquarie Editor’s Committee selected the blend ‘strollout’ as its
annual ‘word of the year’ winner, leveraging upon the negative connotations of
‘stroll' with sluggishness and slowness to depict the lack of haste with regards to
COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.
o Through vividly capturing the desperation and unceasing urge to combat and walk
out of the COVID-19 pandemic, these fledgling neologisms emerge in order to
accommodate for the evolving zeitgeist of each epoch, and more specifically, the
rapidly evolving changes in people’s perception towards everyday life – particularly
during times of challenge and hardship.
- Ultimately rescopes Australians’ perspective on more positive outcomes such as the
bonding of all citizens, allows them to feel a sense of camaraderie, and reminds that the
tardiness of the vaccine rollout was a normality endured by everyone.

- ‘2 for 1 schnitzzas Twosday’

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o As part of its promotional campaign, Pizza Hut launched its ‘2 for 1 schnitzzas
Twosday’ advertisements in early 2022. Where the deal entails buying two
‘schnitzzas’ would allow the customer to receive an extra complementary one
for free.
§ The blending of ‘schnitzel’ and ‘pizza’ in ‘schnitzza’ presents Pizza Hut’s
new creation in a compact, memorable way whilst also clearly depicting
the specialised nature of their new product - putting pizza toppings on
top of a chicken schnitzel. Whilst the compounding involved in
‘Twosday’ imbues valid dates of retrieving the deal with a creative twist.
§ The amalgamation of the above two creative word formation in the
slogan accurately communicates details of a new deal in a creative,
quirky way, thus promoting linguistic innovation and establishing a
unique, out-of-the-box brand appearance.
o The ad also subtly diverts consumers’ focal point onto the innovative nature of
the new Pizza Hut deal and subsequently dilutes the underlying transactional
purpose.

- Covert Slang and its SP

Covert speech communities and miscreants of the underworld also pepper their discourse with
informal argot to enforce collective group identity, exclude non-conforming individuals from their
clique, and also help achieve underlying social purposes.

Prison Slang

- Your complete guide to Prison Slang released by news.com.au

o Recently, news.com.au released a full list of prison slang that was compiled by
Corrective Services NSW.
- Some notable examples included the likes of:
o ‘Shiv’ for an ‘improvised knife’, ‘cockatoo’ for ‘inmate on the lookout to alert
when officer is coming’, ‘rock spider’ for ‘paedophile’, and ‘gronk’ for ‘irritating
inmate’.
- In doing so, inmates would be able to fulfill the devious social purpose of preventing
officers from scrutinising and interpreting their discourse by tailoring language such that

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their subversive intents are effectively masqueraded, thereby conferring their language
with an unique sense of privacy and seclusion.
o This in turn allows prisoners to challenge authority, exemplify values of anti-
authoritarianism, form a homogenous group identity and ultimately unite in-
mates through building a shared sense of solidarity.

Drug Slang

- On the same token, in order for mischievous drug addicts and sellers to prevent Police
officers and other laypeople from scrutinising their discourse, slang terms are often
utilized to serve as a mendacious cloak for their treacherous and potentially illegal
activity.
o For instance, an ‘ounce bag of marijuana’ would be referred to as an ‘Oscar’,
‘cocaine’ would be ‘Charlie’, ‘heroin’ would be ‘Harry’ and ‘Max’ is a drink that
has GHB and amphetamines within it.
- Hence, whilst such slang acts as a profound marker for belonging within a particular in-
group and helps to establish solidarity with others who understand the lexicon, it also
erects barriers to outsiders and ensures the privacy of their discourse.
o Ultimately ensures that those dealing with drugs can do so in total secrecy and
will not have their criminal activity exposed to the likes of police and relevant
authorities.
As Burridge says: ‘slang works very much like a masonic mortar, to stick members of a group
together – and of course, at the same time, erect barriers between them and the outside’

- Profanity for good – profanity which is accepted

‘Swearing can be a way of asserting cultural cohesion…Australians are famous for this’ (Holden)

- Recently-held Women’s State of Origin Rugby Clash

o Aussie Rugby League star Emma Tonegato went viral after she exclaimed in a half-
time interview that was broadcasted nationally: ‘It’s fuckin tough out there’, before
realizing her mistake and saying ‘oh shit’ in response.

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§ Here, the Australian public did not demur at the employment of the
expletives ‘fuckin’ and ‘shit’, instead many took to social media platforms
such as Twitter and threw their support behind her. For instance, one fan
tweeted ‘she is truly an icon HAHAHA love her’.
- In a very similar light, after qualifying for the Australian Open Mens Doubles Semi-Finals,
Nick Kyrgios exclaimed in a post match interview: ‘we want to win this fucking thing’,
whilst Kokkinakis wanted the crowd to ‘sink piss and come here’.
o Thus, this reflects a casual and uniquely Australian attitude towards using such
language in settings which may otherwise be described as inappropriate or even
offensive in other cultural contexts.
§ Language is therefore reflective of Tonegato, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis’s
embodiment of Australian values of anti-authoritarianism, a yearning for
casualness, and to seem more relatable with the public.

- The Language Nerds Facebook Discussion Group Post

o On the 2nd of February, a post was released on The Language Nerds Facebook
Page, which highlighted the brusquely informal nature of Australian English.
§ It stated that the Australian ‘Google Translation’ of ‘Hello, where is the
nearest gas station’ is ‘Oi cunt, where’s the fuckin’ servo.’
o Here, it demonstrates how Australian English abounds in expletives and profane
language, even in contexts where there may not be a very close social distance.
In tun reflects the dominating presence of Australian values such as equality and
egalitarianism, and is also reminiscent of the ‘Ocker’ identity – the rough, ragged
and hardy Australian who signals a dislike for authority, pretentiousness and
formality.
§ It also points towards the propensity and fondness for Australians to
abide by these cultural values, and aim to not affect airs of superiority in
a society where those that do are most vehemently chastised.

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- Profanity for bad – profanity that is not tolerated

‘People have different viewpoints on swearing depending on their age and background. For some it is
part of their identity, for others it is deeply offensive’ (Nick Wilson)

- Damien Hardwick hurls abuse at VFL footy player Henderson, calling him a ‘weak fucking
prick’.
o Over a July weekend, Richmond Football Club Head Coach Damien Hardwick was
caught allegedly abusing Williamstown players in their VFL clash.
§ Having bumped a few of the Richmond players, eyewitnesses claimed
Hardwick to have labelled the players as ‘weak fucking pricks’.
§ Here, the adjectival phrase ‘weak fucking pricks’ leverages upon the
almost ironical depiction of the supposedly tough players as ‘weak’, and
the epithet ‘pricks’ to sharpen the level of vehemence in expression.
• Using such disparaging language in front of many fans is not only
a direct challenge to Henderson’s positive face, but also
detrimental to Hardwick’s public image and reputation –
especially given that values of sportsmanship and camaraderie
should be embedded within the very fabric of his sportsman
identity.

- Malcolm Turnbull jeered by University of Sydney students

o Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was forced to shut down an
university speaking event in September amid jeers and protests over policies of
former coalition government.
§ One man yelled: ‘Fuck back to Mosman, fuck back off to Wentworth.’
§ Here, the expletive-laden phrasal verb ‘fuck back’ carries explicitly
hostile undertones, with the profanity ‘fuck’ functioning primarily as a
verb.
• Loaded with negative connotations of hatred and dislike, this
obscenity impinges upon Turnbull’s positive face needs and
damages his meticulously crafted public image/reputation.

- Inquest into death of Gomeroi man Gordon Copeland has been shown footage in which
an officer is heard saying ‘fuck this little cunt’.

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o Copeland, a 22 year old father of Aboriginal descent, drowned in a Moree river

in the early hours of 10th July 2021.
o The inquest into the drowning death of Copeland has been shown footage in
which a police officer is heard saying ‘fuck this little cunt’
§ Again, replete with connotations of hatred and destruction, the use of
the expletive ‘fuck’ as a dynamic verb and ‘cunt’ as a pejorative slur
towards Copeland, not only callously infringes upon the latter’s positive
face, but also demonstrates a blatant regard for the Aboriginal man’s
unfortunate predicament.
o Hence, it is evident that context determines whether the use of profanity is
justified or not – in this case, in the face of a serious plight like death, the
employment of an expletive-laden reaction is far from acceptable.

Formal Language:
- Discriminatory Language

Thanks to words we have risen above the beasts and thanks to words we have fallen below the level
of demons.’ (Huxley)

o Racist Language

- Scott Morrison labels Richard Marles a ‘Manchurian Candidate’

o With a federal election approaching on the horizon, Morrison and the Liberal
Party accused Labor MP Richard Marles of being a ‘Manchurian Candidate’.
§ By pre-modifying the noun ‘candidate’ with the adjectival pre-modifier
‘Manchurian’, Morrison brazenly establishes a nexus between the Labor
Party’s political agenda with the supposedly aggressive and belligerent
Chinese Government
§ By launching the scare-campaign and letting the anti-China rhetoric run
rampant within public discourse, the Liberal Party seeks to incite fear
and a frission of alarm amongst everyday Australians – and in turn
impelling them to submit their votes to Liberal.

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o Unfortunately, upon public reception, individuals are then likely to implicate the
wider Chinese community in the Labor Party’s ulterior motives for election,
thereby fomenting public antipathy.
§ As Crikey.com.au reports, as racial abuse, it’s as close as a politician can
get to ‘Yellow Peril’ in contemporary Australian society.

- One Nation MP Mark Latham reported by Channel 9 for racist comments

o Taking to Twitter after the host Sarah Abo was repeatedly interrupted during the
debate between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony
Albanese, One Nation MP Mark Latham wrote on twitter: ‘Never trust an Abo
with something as important as that.’
§ Despite the proper noun ‘Abo’ being the last name of the host, it is also
a racial slur which carries extremely pejorative and offensive
connotations towards First Nations people.
o By placing an indefinite article before ‘Abo’, it further propounds the
aforementioned racist innuendos, threatens social harmony, and is immensely
disrespectful to both Sarah Abo and Aboriginal communities right around
Australia.

o Sexist Language

‘Thanks to words we have risen above the beasts and thanks to words we have fallen below the level
of demons.’ (Huxley)

- Sky News host Paul Murray labelling Penny Wong as a ‘mean girl’
o In an expletive-laden tirade directed towards the Labor Party, Sky News host
Paul Murray labelled Penny Wong as a ‘mean girl’.
§ The adjectival phrase ‘mean girls’, which carries connotations of being a
‘bitch’ or ‘karen’, is inherently sexist as it reflects the underlying cultural
imbalances with respect to cultural references and linguistic tools
available to describe men and women.

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• Bitchy women is a socially ingrained trope, influencing the well-

known film ‘mean girls’ and perhaps the inspiration behind
Murray’s disparaging remark.
§ Contrarily, the lack of ‘mean boys’ is very much due to this cultural
inequality that still permeates throughout society – whereby centuries
of patriarchy has aimed to suppress powerful, opinionated and assertive
women by calling them as bitches or mean girls.

In addition, manifesting the pulsating undercurrent of sexism, sexist sledges have become
ubiquitous even within many professional domains.

- Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Taylor referred to a friend as a ‘vagina

whisperer’.
o In August of 2022, the Deputy Police Commissioner of Queensland, Paul Taylor,
sensationally resigned over comments he had made during a speech in April.
§ In a speech delivered to 100 staff members, he referred to his friend,
who is also a gynaecologist, as a ‘vagina whisperer’.
§ Pregnant with promiscuous connotations, the pre-modifier ‘vagina’
coupled with the noun ‘whisperer’, dispossesses Taylor’s friend of
probity, and subsequently diminishes the value of her occupational role
by objectifying women.

- Queensland Police’s Misogynistic Culture

o According to an article released by The Guardian in early July, both current and
former female police officers have detailed misogynistic behaviour amongst
fellow male colleagues that has very much run rampant within Queensland
Police.
§ In one of the submissions to the inquiry, female police officers detailed
references made by male police officers to an area where female
detectives sat as the ‘cunt corner’
o Again laden with sexual connotations, by pre-modifying the noun ‘corner’, which
also carries negative connotations of seclusion, with the expletive ‘cunt’, these
male officers banishes fellow female colleagues to the level of individual body
parts and limbs who are stripped of their individuality.

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§ These examples of viscerally sexist language ultimately provides implicit

support for the ongoing denial of women’s professional capabilities, and
instead defines women by their sexual utility.
§ Females are in turn presented as a collection of bodily parts to be
possessed, controlled and manipulated for the rash satisfaction of
others.

- PC
o Euphemisms + Neologisms promoting SH

PC language bears the immense responsibility in not only providing a pathway for communicative
exchange, but also acts as a means of negotiating social taboos and regulating social harmony.

Through the use of PC language, an interlocutor can manipulate his or her message in order to
conform to societal expectations of politeness.

‘A healthy expansion for moral concerns.’ (Allan and Burridge)

- The Northern Territory Education Department

o Recently sent out draft guidelines that advised schools to use nouns such as
‘students’, ‘class’, ‘crew’ or ‘everyone’, in place of gender-specific noun phrases
such as ‘girls and boys’ or ‘ladies and gentlemen’.
§ This also translates to many Single-Sex Government Schools within
Victoria, where they often promulgate the notion of using gender-
neutral language in classrooms and assemblies to accommodate for
anyone who may be transgender.
o Validates their identity as a non-binary person, thereby tending to their positive
face needs and better promoting social harmony.

- The AGE
o has recently reported that whilst words such as ‘mother’ and ‘breast milk’ are
expected to be retained by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the likes of
‘chestfeeding’, ‘co-parent’ and ‘human milk’ are also going to be included.

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§ The employment of such gender-neutral language ensures that

transgender parents or parents who do not wish to be identified as
mothers are safely welcomed and not ostracized from society.
§ By promoting social harmony and inclusivity, and allowing minorities to
be included, it ensures that the health system can do better for
everyone.

- The Greens ACT

o In June, 2022, the Greens Party released on their website that the Attorney-
General will introduce the 2022 Statute Law Amendment Bill to the ACT
Legislative Assembly.
§ The bill will update almost 40 pieces of ACT legislation with gender-
neutral language – with references in the regulations to the likes of ‘he’,
‘she’, ‘his, her’, ‘him, her’, ‘himself or herself’, will be deleted in favour
of ‘they’, ‘their’, ‘them’, ‘themselves’ or the relevant noun.
o Mitigates any possibility of segregation, validates their sex and identity, and
thereby tending to their positive face needs.
o Ensures that language is inclusive and any gender biases are voided, so as to be
kind, humane and all-encompassing.

o PC Cancel Culture + Name Changing

- Changing of COVID viral strains to Epidemiological Jargon

o Amidst the COVID-19 health crisis, Forbes reported on how naming COVID variants
after geographical places can be really harmful, as it creates stigma and can further
exacerbate racism. Media outlets such as ABC News did just that, reporting on the
likes of the ‘Indian variant’ spreading in Victoria.
§ The pre-modifier Indian equates the Indian ethnicity with the spread of the
COVID pandemic, as such it not only scapegoats the Indian people, but also
foments racism and animosity towards the Indian community.
o Thus, in as recent as January, 2022, ABC News have instead transitioned to using
Epidemiological jargon such as ‘The BA.2 Strain’. This in contrast, is a far better PC

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alternative, as the semantic precision which such jargon offers avoids any
misunderstanding of the viral strains and origins.
o Eradicates the blaming culture towards specific nations or people, and greatly helps
in reducing discrimination, and maintaining social harmony.

- Moreland City Council officially known as Merri-Bek City Council from the 26th Sept.
o In recent weeks, The Guardian reported that residents from the Moreland City
Council had voted to change its name and formally cut ties with ties to the historical
slave trade.
§ The proper noun Moreland emerged in the late 18th century, where settler
Farquhar McCrae named the area after a Jamaican slave plantation which he
and his farmer operated. It was in this city where production of rum and
sugar flourished, whilst slave trading also ran rampant.
§ Hence, this proper noun harbours negative connotations of racism, slavery
and an explicit deprivation of human rights.
o Therefore, by changing to the Indigenous name ‘Merri Bek’, which means ‘rocky
country’, it not only allows for any associations with historical slavery and racism to
be eradicated, but also ensures that the traditional owners of the land are honoured
and recognized.

- Aussie Beer Company Colonial Brewing Changes Name Amid Backlash

o In early September, The Australian Business Journal reported that Australian Beer
Company ‘Colonial Brewing’ has announced that it will be changing its name after
years of activists’ claims that the company glorifies and glamorizes the colonial
process.
§ Especially within the context of Australian society, the pre-modifier ‘colonial’
harbours extremely negative connotations of conquest, exploitation,
subjugation, as well as the ruthless dispossession of land and culture
endured by generations of Indigenous communities.
o By transitioning to the new name ‘CBCo Brewing’, this popular and longstanding
Australian brewing company is able to ensure that any potential misinterpretations
can be well-circumvented, and Indigenous Australian communities are not further
subject to divisive, racial vilification. Ultimately, this greatly helps in reducing
discrimination towards Aboriginal communities and upholds social harmony.

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Language matters, and perhaps more importantly, the names we choose for things matters. It
dictates the stories we tell and the values we hold as a society. Hence, it is evident that these
instances of PC name changing are a great step forward towards propagating a greater sense of
social inclusivity and cohesiveness.

o PC Excessive paradoxically impinges upon SH

Need to feel that it is causing more harm through distortion of reality, misrepresentation, than it is
euphemising…

‘Over time, political correctness and its….have been warped…increasingly chastised as a ‘clumsy
attempt at social engineering’ (Senator Bernadi)

- ACT Government changing names of criminal offence

o The Conversation has recently announced the ACT government’s plans to have
rape and sexual abuse of children called out for what they are, rather than being
couched in PC alternatives such as ‘engaging in a sexual relationship with child
or young person.’
o In this non-finite clause, the present progressive verb ‘engaging’ indicates
continuity, and the noun ‘relationship’ gives society the impression that these
interactions were consensual – which is obviously far from the truth. This then
trivializes and obscures the sordid nature of the crime.
o Unfortunately distorts the public’s understanding of the immensity of the crime,
and gives impetus to the inappropriate normalization of rape and child abuse in
modern day society.
§ Hence, the move to change the name of the criminal offence to
‘persistent sexual abuse of child or young person’ is a move in the right
direction and creates an opportunity for much needed reform.

- Sanitising the issue of Disabilities

o Journalist Erica Mones touched on how people with disabilities dislike the PC
adjective ‘differently abled’.

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§ For people with disabilities, most still prefer to be treated on equal

terms, and they don’t want disabilities to be seen as something
negative.
§ And so the fact that people are using PC alternatives to address these
demographics of people, is discreetly discriminatory and instead seeks
to threaten social harmony.
o In the same vein, SBS News reported in February on how children with learning
disabilities are often referred to as ‘twice exceptional’.
§ Such PC language doesn’t necessarily make these groups of people feel
included within the wider realms of society.
o Alas, it directly contradicts the purpose of maintaining social harmony, and does
not place them on a level pedestal.

- ‘PC’ office advice pertaining to the use of ‘mate’.

o On May 1st, 2022, The Daily Telegraph revealed that NSW government ministers
had undertook Respect at Work training sessions during the week.
§ It was reported that they were told to avoid using the word ‘mate’, as
part of new workplace behaviour advice.
o Very much embedded within the Australian Vernacular, the endearing vocative
‘mate’ has encapsulated the fabric of the Australian Identity – the mateship and
resilience that Australians pride themselves on today.
§ The word is now nowhere near as gender-exclusionary as it once was,
with the term widely used by influential Australian women such as
Casey Dellacqua and Ashleigh Barty.
o Thus, censoring such a profoundly important lexis which is now widely used
across all demographics, certainly gives rise to vexatious sentiments amidst the
public – with many criticising the suggestions as ‘PC insanity’ and ‘straight out of
1984’.
§ Abstaining from using the vocative ‘mate’ not only threatens the
camaraderie that binds Australian men and women together, but could
also further exacerbate social discord via the excessiveness of PC – in
turn contradicting the very purpose of maintaining social harmony.

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o As SMH columnist FitzSimons says: We are all mates – it is something not only
worth preserving, but cherishing!

- Jargon
o Jargon for Communicative Efficiency

Due to the codified and standard nature of Formal language, in certain contexts within Australian
society, this serves as a vital component towards upholding clarity. In particular, the presence of
professional Jargon within many fields of endeavours better ensures communicate efficiency and
clarity.

- Real Estate Jargon released by Nine/Domain

o Some notable jargon examples in a compilation made available by Nine/Domain
include the likes of ‘Settlement Date’ and Initialism ‘LVR’.
o Former refers to the date in which the buyer becomes the official owner of a
property, and the latter standing for ‘Loan to Value Ratio’ – one’s loan amount
that is relative to the monetary value of their property.

- LG 2022 TV Range by Finder.com.au

o Some of the latest, cutting-edge features that would arrive on LG’s 2022 TV
range include the likes of ‘QNED’ and ‘LED technology’.
§ The initialism ‘QNED’ stands for Quantum Nano-Emitting Diode, whilst
LED stands for light-emitting diode – both of which refer to light
technology that powers the Television screens we use every day.
o Whether it be between property buyers and real estate agents, or technology
afficionados and consumers, the use of such jargon allows for faster and easier
communication to take place between both property buyers and real estate
agents. This then in turn acts as a marker of in-group membership, as well as
helping to build mutual understanding and solidarity.

- Environmental Jargon by Macquarie University

o ‘megafire’ denotes blazes that burn through more than 10,000 hectares of land,
‘gigafire’ for those that cover more than 100,000 hectares, and ‘terrafire’ for
blazes that span over 1 million hectares.
§ Such jargon covers the specialized vocabulary and expressions used by
professions for the efficient communication of complex ideas – in other

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words, it is professionally efficient and appropriate.

o Jargon for authority and expertise (through obfuscation)

‘A hallmark of profession’ (Bewster), technical jargon serves to exclude laypeople by obfuscating

meaning and social perceptions, thus in turn allowing arbiters of language to secure their underlying
motives and social purposes.

- Combat, reconnaissance and surveillance missions

o In a bid to salvage the Liberal’s election campaign, Morrison pledged to invest
$454 million in the RAAF to fast track the Loyal Wingman Project.
§ Through using military jargon such as ‘air combat’, ‘reconnaissance’ and
‘surveillance missions’, Morrison and the Liberals are able to appear
authoritative, professional and justified in their approach towards
investing exorbitant funds within the military.
• The government is able to appear trustworthy and capable of
managing the money well. It also allows politicians to negotiate
the reality that most Australian people would not be particularly
receptive of the excessive military expenditure.

- Are you a Corporate Jargon offender?

o According to The New Daily Australia, corporate speak is also no longer confined
to the boardroom, but has rather become ubiquitous across all industries.
§ Jargonistic phrases such as ‘low hanging fruit’ and ‘playing hardball’ are
amongst those that have entered the spotlight. Where the former refers
to easy-to-accomplish tasks, and the latter meaning to use every means
possible to achieve a goal, regardless of the potential ramifications.
o As these phrases all connote to everyday, basic objects and tasks, it implies that
there is a deeper layer of semantic nuance present – terminology likely only
understood by a niche group of individuals.
§ Hence, when corporations and business workers utilize such
terminology, they complicate simple ideas, obscure issues or problems,
and also perpetuate power relations that exist within the workforce.

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o Alas, it also forges an impression of authority and proficiency, thereby reminding

employees that they are subordinate to their managers, and in turn allow the latter
to maintain control and dominance over the former.

- Fiscal Support
o During Australia’s recent inflation and economic crisis, the Australian Chamber
of Commerce and Industry’s CEO, Andrew McKellar commented on the current
economy.
§ He used economical, jargonistic terms such as the noun phrase “fiscal
support”, initialism “GDP growth” and nominalised noun phrase
“consumption growth”.
o Through utilising such specialised language which the general Australian would
not comprehend, the average Australian is misled to believe that the Australian
economy is stable.
§ McKellar fosters a sense of authority and expertise, thus canvassing
blind trust from Australians to obfuscate the utterly concerning fact that
Australia is currently in a major economic crisis.

o Jargon for group membership + identity (OVERLAP with U4A2)

Jargon consolidates a code of conformity within specialist groups, forges a homogenous group
identity.

- Climate Change Jargon

o The Conversation recently mentioned how when scientists and policy writers talk
about climate change, their speech abounds in technical jargon.
§ These include a range of abstract nouns such as ‘translation’ and ‘carbon
neutral’. Where the former refers to stopping climate change from
worsening, and the latter means when Carbon Dioxide emissions are
balanced globally by removals over a specified period.
o Relevant policy writers can thus not only reinforce group membership through their
shared, professional lexicon, but also exemplify a degree of authority through using
jargonistic terminology, subsequently enjoining people towards following the
policies and taking action.

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o Confers authority, expertise and erudition upon its professional users.

§ Such language is also evident of the shared values, experiences and
aspirations of these people and thus can help build understanding and
solidarity within subsequent groups of scientists and policy writers.

- Eduspeak, a variety of jargon used by report card writers and principals alike.
o Examples include ‘formative assessments’, ‘learning habits’, and ‘progress reports’
- Teachers often employ eduspeak jargon, which is very much resemblant of medical jargon,
to portray themselves as doctors, students as patients, and issues and diseases.
- By likening academic performance to health-related concepts, students would more likely
pay attention to their underperformance and correct themselves promptly.
o By extension, it also forges an impression of authority and trust, thereby compelling
students to submit themselves to the expertise of teachers.
o Students are thus subordinate to teachers, allow teachers to maintain control and
dominance over students à reinforces the professional and occupational identity of
teachers.

- Are you a Corporate Jargon offender?

o According to The New Daily Australia, corporate speak is also no longer confined
to the boardroom, but has rather become ubiquitous across all industries.
§ Jargonistic phrases such as ‘low hanging fruit’ and ‘playing hardball’ are
amongst those that have entered the spotlight. Where the former refers
to easy-to-accomplish tasks, and the latter meaning to use every means
possible to achieve a goal, regardless of the potential ramifications.
o As the semantic value of these phrases are only comprehensible to a select
group of individuals that work within the corporate sphere, it can
simultaneously build solidarity and reinforce a sense of group identity, as well as
erecting barriers to other social groups nescient to such language.
§ For many businesses and corporate organizations, this can be especially
favourable as they seek to divert attention away from their motives and
internal operations, so as to uphold a sense of secrecy and authority.

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- Euphemisms
o Euphemisms for obfuscation (Political)

Lamented and chastised as a ‘permanent masquerade, a tapestry of lies’ (Harold Pinter), vacuous
and deceitful euphemisms are allowing politicians to facilitate expediency and achieve their social
purposes.

Deemed as a ‘range of linguistic deodorizers, smokescreen and gid leaves’ (Burridge), euphemisms
are consistently employed as a mendacious cloak to steer away from the truth and canvass public
support.

- ‘Undersea Warfare Support Facilities and Infrastructure’.

o According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, under the Liberal Party
Administration, $10 billion was provisioned to the Australian Defence plan under
the euphemistic title of ‘Undersea Warfare Support Facilities and Infrastructure’.
§ Here, the nouns ‘facilities’ and ‘infrastructure’ both connotes to tangible
features which everyday Australians can easily take advantage of and
derive usage out of.
• Through enhancing that sense of relatability and proximity to
everyday life, it better entices the Australian people and renders
them to be more welcoming and receptive of such an exorbitant
military expenditure plan.

- National Vaccination Allocation Horizons

o In the current climate, many Australians are still dubious and sceptical towards
the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. Hence, when discussing targets for
vaccine rollouts, authorities dubbed it with the euphemistic noun phrase
‘National Vaccination Allocation Horizons’.
§ The premodifier ‘national’ aggrandizes the notion of taking the vaccine
to a national duty which Australians are obliged to commit to. Whilst the
nominalizations ‘vaccination allocation’ allows the government to
furnish an image of being professional. Whilst the noun ‘horizons’ seals
the euphemism by alluding to feelings of optimism, suggesting that the
vaccination would reap great benefits for the Australian people.
o Ensures that Australians are more receptive to the vaccine rollout.

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o Reduce the unpleasantness of a notion

- Centres for National Resilience

o When Australian authorities announced quarantine centres, they labelled them
as ‘Centres for National Resilience’
§ ‘National’ takes upon a hyperbolic effect, when used to form the
euphemistic noun phrase, Australian authorities leverage upon
Australian values of stoicism and camaraderie in lieu of the COVID -19
crisis.
o Essentially anaesthetizes Australians from complaining and opposing their
proposal with regards to having to quarantine. Opposers are presented as social
outcasts who fail to live up to demands of Australian values, incapable of
contributing to the nation.
o Ultimately ensures Australians are more receptive and compliant with
quarantine restrictions.

o Euphemisms for obfuscation (Corporate)

Within the corporate realm, obfuscation is often harnessed to the extreme through evasive
euphemisms that shifts responsibility, saves face and masquerades the unpalatable.

- West Coast Eagles Football Club

o After a string of sub-standard on-field performances and severe depletion in its
playing list, the West Coast Eagles management team faced immense pressure
from the public and supporters.
§ Publicly, Fox Footy stated that they have been hesitant to use the verb
‘rebuild’, instead choosing to indicate that the club is in ‘transition.’
o This nominalized abstract noun positively connotes to a sense of improvement
and growth, hence suggesting that the club is simply in the midst of bolstering
its already satisfactory state. On the contrary, the verb ‘rebuild’ instead implies
that something was in absolute ruins and extensive repairs were needed.
§ By refusing to accept and admit the plight which the club is in, it
encourages an outlook of optimism and enjoins supports to repose their

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faith within the team, especially amongst those who may feel
disenchanted with the team’s recently underwhelming performance.
o Ultimately allows stakeholders such as the board executives, coaching panel,
and also players to avoid bearing responsibility, public backlash, and potential
job sackings for the team’s inadequate displays.

- Alex Gow Funeral’s inappropriate use of ‘Estate Fee’

o In late 2021, the ACCC penalized Alex Gow Funerals for using the misleading and
euphemistic noun phrase ‘estate fee’ instead of ‘Late Payment Fee’ in its terms
and conditions.
o Here, the positive connotations of specific lexemes serves to masquerade the
unpalatable fees that are associated with the funeral directors.
§ For instance, the modifier ‘Estate’ connotes to a sense of possession and
control, which are positive in that it evokes an air of autonomy and
liberty. As a result, when coupled with the noun ‘fee’, it is implied to
prospective consumers that the fee is obligatory, necessary and should
be duly paid by the ‘estate owners’ in order to fulfill their
responsibilities.
• In doing so, this allows funeral directors like Alex Gow Funerals,
to avoid appearing overly obtrusive and assertive when asking
for extra payment due to lateness, but rather present itself as
understanding, amiable, and willing to provide a warm, caring
service. Especially during times of mourning and deep
lamentation for the losses of family members and friends alike,
alternative noun phrases such as ‘Late Payment Fee’ would
undoubtedly render funeral directors as being inconsiderate,
money-driven and unsympathetic towards its customers.
o As such, it could be argued that using euphemistic language in this field is vital,
as funeral directors want to ensure that when people are experiencing times of
grief and intense sadness, they have a support pillar which they can rely on.

- Nick Hockley’s address of Justin Langer’s release as Head Coach of Australia

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o Stemming from the murmuring of resentment from players towards head coach
Justin Langer, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley had to face the public and
announce the departure of a coach who has brought much success to the team.
§ In a public media conference, Hockley utilized middle voice within the
sentence ‘The team’s needs or requirements of the head coach had
evolved,’ to insinuate that the rationale behind the sacking was due to
the ‘needs and requirements’ and not a responsibility ascribed to any
specific personnel or group.
§ This in turn not only acts as a mendacious cloak for obfuscating the
more nuanced details underpinning Langer’s release, but also allows
Cricket Australia to take evasive action and divert responsibility for the
sacking away from its board, administration and players.
o Ultimately allows stakeholders such as the board executives, coaching panel,
and also players to avoid bearing the brunt of the responsibility and media
scrutiny.

o Euphemisms for Social Harmony

Euphemisms are also often devised to circumvent long-standing social taboos and thereby better
promote social harmony. As such, this can prove to be highly invaluable in certain contexts, as it
would essentially ‘avoid things which threaten to cause offence and distress’ (Don Watson).

- University of Melbourne Biology Department - Redmond Barry Building Incident

o In a 2022 email sent out to students, the euphemistic noun ‘incident’ was used
to denote the tragic suicide of an University of Melbourne students
§ Through the avoidance of mentioning specific details pertaining to the
‘incident’, composers of the email can render it less upsetting and
disturbing for other students.
• It also means that people who were not present are not aware
of the suicidal nature of the incident. Which subsequently allows
for the prevention of other, more broader groups of unaware
students from becoming distressed at the news.
§ Help maintains social harmony and a sense of equanimity in a time of
great trauma for many students.

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o It can be justified that euphemisms can be a suitable tool towards propagating

social appropriateness, as well as softening depressing or taboo subjects that is
impertinent in certain contexts.

- Carlton Football Club – Tom Williamson Statement

o On the 27th, June 2022, the Carlton Football Club released a public statement,
acknowledging that player Tom Williamson has taken a period of indefinite leave
of absence – citing that the club had been supporting Williamson due to a
number of ‘personal issues’.
§ Here, the euphemistic noun phrase ‘personal issues’ lacks specificity
with regards to Williamson’s troubles, and veils the exact details of what
Williamson is going through.
§ This thereby allows the Football Club to circumvent the long-standing
taboo that lingers around drug and alcohol related issues.
§ By extension, this euphemism also means that composers of the
statement can render it less upsetting and disturbing for wider members
of the public, especially amongst those who are either fans or younger
in terms of age.
• Which ultimately allows the Carlton Football Club to maintain
social harmony and a sense of equanimity amidst a time of great
concern and distress for many people within the football
community.

- Renaming ‘Shark attacks’ to ‘shark incidents’ or ‘shark bites’.

o Despite newfound criticism from public figures such as Ben Fordham in early
2022, in response to sharp declines in shark numbers due to overfishing,
Australian wildlife researchers and officials will adopt euphemistic terms such as
shark incidents or encounters instead of ‘shark attacks’.
§ The rationale behind such a move was that within the noun phrase ‘shark
attack’, the use of the transitive verb ‘attack’ incites a frission of alarm
within the minds of the general public – painting an image that is akin to a
ruthless hunter violently killing anything that comes its way. Once such
imagery is imprinted into the public psyche, sharks become monsters of
destruction that only bring fear and death.

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§ In contrast, more abstract nouns such as ‘incidents’ and ‘encounter’

downplays the perceived violent nature of the shark, instead presenting it as
just an unlucky incident.
• Ultimately encourages society to view these animal species in a
positive light, as well as supporting the conservation of these
vulnerable species.

Australian English:
- Australian slang and identity (old, new)

The true-blue Australian slang that was once well-known for its vulgarity, piquancy and sharp flavour
is no longer reflective of our identity, especially as society diverges towards one that is more
egalitarian, accepting and all-compassing. In particular, political figures who still valiantly hold onto
these supposedly outdated Australian slang have received significant backlash from various media
outlets across the country. For example:

- Augusto Zimmermann on Spectator Australia admonished Western Australian Premier

Mark McGowan’s use of Australian slang during various press conferences.
o When speaking about those who have well-founded concerns regarding
vaccines, McGowan referred to them as a ‘pack of drongos, idiots, morons and
absolute cretins.’
- The Australian slang ‘drongo’, which refers to a stupid or incompetent person, has
mostly faded from the lexicon today.
o As a result, when used by an esteemed politician like McGowan, the public
demurred at his use of the slang term – particularly as it is now often associated
with the outdated ‘ocker’ stereotype that lacks reverence and a sense of
solemnity.
Alas, it is quite evident that new, diverse forms of language are instead becoming preferred to the
traditional Australian slang of the distant past.

- In recent months, ANU Academics announced that the Oxford Dictionary is set to be
updated with new Aussie Slang.
o Examples such as ‘Avo on toast’, ‘parma’ and ‘halal snack pack’ have all become
part of the everyday Australian vernacular, and thus the codification of such
essentially exemplifies the direction in which Ae is bound to be heading.

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- With origins from the Middle East and Italy respectively, examples such as ‘halal snack
pack’ and ‘parma’ is not only reflective of the linguistic diversity show through
ethnolects, but also a testament to the multicultural society of today.
o This ultimately shows the changing ideals and values that underpin what it
means to be Australian both linguistically and socially – it is no longer defined by
the uncouth larrikins that signals a dislike for outsiders, but rather the rich
diversity within everyday communities.

In that regard, AE is very much shrugging off ‘the shackles of the old country while holding hard to
the core of the language it gave them and turning it Australia’s way’ (Das, 2005).

- Neologisms changing the face of AE & contemporary Australian Identity

o (somewhat overlap with IFL, which means you can use some but not all of the
previous example)

‘Verging on jingoism in his celebration of Australia’s informal lexicon, Australian philologist Sidney
Baker breathed: ‘It is a manifestation of vitality and restless imagination.’’

- #djokovid
o In light of controversies and uncertainty surrounding Djokovic’s visa and his
eligibility to compete in the Australian Open, the neologism and hashtag
#djokovid was seen across all social media platforms.
§ The blending of the Proper Noun ‘Djokovic’ and acronym ‘COVID’ to
form ‘Djokovid’, lexically and conceptually merges Djokovic and the
recent pandemic.
o In doing so, it highlights Djokovic’s unvaccinated and potentially deleterious
state – thus enjoining and uniting Australians in promoting the rhetoric that he
is acting highly irresponsibly amidst the face of the pandemic.

- ‘Strollout’
o In late 2021, the Macquarie Editor’s Committee selected the blend ‘strollout’ as
its annual ‘word of the year’ winner, leveraging upon the negative connotations
of ‘stroll' with sluggishness and slowness to depict the lack of haste with regards
to COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.

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o Through vividly capturing the desperation and unceasing urge to combat and
walk out of the COVID-19 pandemic, these fledgling neologisms emerge in order
to accommodate for the evolving zeitgeist of each epoch, and more specifically,
the rapidly evolving changes in people’s perception towards everyday life –
particularly during times of challenge and hardship.

Additionally:

- Coining such neologisms enables Australians to let free of their imaginations, to allow their
language to morph into their attitudes, and ultimately serves as an emotional catharsis through
innovative word play.

- The adoption of these neologisms are profound, particularly as the lexical innovation and flexibility
involved here is a testament to the necessity of creativity during the plight that is the pandemic.

- Rescopes Australians’ perspective on more positive outcomes such as the bonding of all citizens,
allows them to feel a sense of camaraderie, and reminds that the tardiness of the vaccine rollout
was a normality endured by everyone.

- Standard Australian English (SAE) and its role in Australian Society

Given the codification of SAE that legitimizes it as the linguistic norm in both government and
education, there is no doubt that SAE is bestowed with overt prestige. Considered to be ‘intrinsically
superior’ (Burridge), SAE plays an instrumental role towards upholding precision, authority and
mitigating ambiguities within public discourse .

o Linkedin, Microsoft top brands to be faked in phishing attempts

§ Recently, Security Brief Australia reported that companies such as
LinkedIn and Microsoft have been faked and targeted in phishing
attempts by criminals.

• In a media interview, a data research manager urged consumers

to look out for ‘poor grammar, spelling mistakes or strange
domain names’ as key, tell-tale signs for fake emails.
§ Here, it can therefore be posited that SAE plays a vital role towards
maintaining professionalism within the corporate sphere, and thus plays
an instrumental role towards allowing companies establish credibility
with their clients – ultimately ensuring SAE is bestowed with overt

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prestige.

o Australian National University Writing Style Guide

§ The ANU also regularly updates its Writing Style Guide, which can be
accessed readily online.

• In recent times, some of the noteworthy changes include the

likes of using active voice instead of the passive voice, as well as
referring to members of parliament by their role and any
relevant honorifics.

§ Through stipulating clear linguistic rules and standardizing the language

employed, the writing style guide better allows all members of the ANU
community to ensure consistency and clarity in language during the
preparation and devising of any written works or publications.

• Standardization of language thus contributes greatly towards

upholding mutual intelligibility during the exchange of ideas and
information.

o NAPLAN reported to reward those who produce formulaic/standardized writing

and penalize those with creative expression.
• In an article released by The Sydney Morning Herald in late July,
Dr Shelley Davidow stated that narrative writing with
“structural elements such as grammar, punctuation, spelling and
paragraphing,” was more rewarded, “favouring function but
ignoring style and individual voice”
§ Such attitudes towards the use of SAE means that in order to gain a
high-enough mark, students are pressured into writing in accordance
with what is deemed to be ‘correct’ by teachers and examiners alike.
§ Alas, this continues to highlight the overtly prestigious value and
importance which SAE serves within Australian society. Where this push
and urge for the standardization of language evidently begins and is
maintained at the very foundations of Australia’s educational
institutions.

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- Ethnolects

‘A vehicle for expressing multiple identity’ (Duszak), ethnolects have proven to embody just the same
level of linguistic flair and complexity.

Chinese-Australian English

- In a recent 2021 study of Chinese-Australian immigrant Ming, it was discovered that she
would substitute dental fricatives with the /d/ and /s/ phonemes.
o For instance, /sursday/ would be pronounced in place of ‘Thursday’, /di/ in place
of ‘the’, and /sank/ instead of ‘thank’.
§ As such, these idiosyncratic features of Ming’s parlance is not only a
vestigial marker of her L1 speech, but also a reflection of her dual
identity as being both Chinese and Australian.

Indian-Australian English

- The Indian-Australian slang ‘yaar’, functions as both an exclamation of anguish, and also
as a vocative used to demonstrate endearment.

- Similarly, the exclamation ‘oye’ is akin to ‘hey’ or ‘g’day’ in Australian English, and thus
can often be used to either capture attention, or refer to someone affectionately.

o As such, these semantically versatile lexemes instils Australian English with an

uniquely Indian tenor and flair – thereby showcasing Australia’s cultural
diversity, and the dual Australian and Indian identity of those speakers.

‘Greeklish’/Greek-Australian English

- A Greek-Australian Slang that has ascended in popularity within recent years is ‘malaka’.

o Whilst literal translations feature pejorative denotations of the English slang

‘wanker’, the lexeme functions not only as an exclamation of pleasure, but also
as an outcry of exasperation and affection.

Akin to that of Indian-Australian English, such language embodies a range of semantic nuances, and
therefore infuses everyday communion with a uniquely Greek persona.

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- Aboriginal English

Additionally, what was once discredited as a pidgin language, Aboriginal English now serves as a
powerful symbol of Aboriginal identity and culture, its tenacity and most importantly, Australia’s
broadening egalitarian ideal by opening its arms to diversity.

‘A solidarity marker for Aboriginal people, symbol of cultural maintenance and is the adopted code of
a surviving culture.’ (Malcolm 2001)

In the early 2000’s, the changing of the popular landmark name ‘Ayers Rock’ to ‘Uluru’ was a great
stride taken towards acknowledging the cultural significance of these landmarks to the Aboriginals.

o Here, the codeswitching of names to ‘Uluru’ prioritises these Indigenous

communities over the explorer’s names. This thus not only formally legitimizes and
describes their land of residence, but also seeks to relegate the settlers’ story of
conquest and discovery.
§ This conversion typifies the integrity of such cultural connections with the
environment to Aboriginal lifestyle and attests to its uniqueness honed
through a millennium of traditional practice - a stark contrast to the political
and diplomatic perception, that European colonialists hold towards ‘land’.

Indeed, AABE and the semantic nuances encoded into the lexicon, are paramount in solidifying the
communal and familial identity between Indigenous Australians.

- For instance, vocatives such as ‘Auntie’, ‘Uncle’, ‘brother’, ‘sister’ and ‘Granny’ have all
undergone semantic broadening and are often used as a powerful means of marking
social propinquity between members of a ‘mob’, irrespective of their familial relations
and status.

In a similar vein, the new edition of the Australian National Dictionary posted in 2016 included the
lexeme ‘bunji’ (from Warlpiri and other languages of NT/Northern QLD), which refers to either a
close friend or kinsman and is fondly reminiscent of the classic, endearing Australia vocative ‘mate’.

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o Via AABE, the communities are subsequently united by their reciprocal terms of
address, without being constrained by the technicalities demanded by SAE.
o It is also again reflective of the tight-knit ‘mobs’ or communities which Aboriginal
Australians are ever so proud of today.

Evidently, AABE and its vast repository of Aboriginal culture provides the Indigenous population with
greater latitude and freedom in expressing topics that culturally resonate with them.

Individual and Group Identity:

- Covert Slang and Identity

Covert speech communities and miscreants of the underworld also pepper their discourse with
informal argot to enforce collective group identity, and exclude non-conforming individuals from
their clique.

Prison Slang

- Your complete guide to Prison Slang released by news.com.au

o Recently, news.com.au released a full list of prison slang that was compiled by
Corrective Services NSW.
- Some notable examples included the likes of:
o ‘Shiv’ for an ‘improvised knife’, ‘cockatoo’ for ‘inmate on the lookout to alert
when officer is coming’, ‘rock spider’ for ‘paedophile’, and ‘gronk’ for ‘irritating
inmate’.
- In doing so, inmates would prevent officers from scrutinising their discourse by tailoring
language to masquerade their subversive intents, thereby conferring their language with
an unique sense of privacy and seclusion.
o This in turn allows prisoners to challenge authority, exemplify values of anti-
authoritarianism, form a homogenous group identity and ultimately uniting in-
mates through building a shared sense of solidarity.

Drug Slang

- On the same token, in order for mischievous drug addicts and sellers to prevent Police
officers and other laypeople from scrutinising their discourse, slang terms are often

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utilized to serve as a mendacious cloak for their treacherous and potentially illegal
activity.
o For instance, an ‘ounce bag of marijuana’ would be referred to as an ‘Oscar’,
‘cocaine’ would be ‘Charlie’, ‘heroin’ would be ‘Harry’ and ‘Max’ is a drink that
has GHB and amphetamines within it.
- Hence, whilst such slang acts as a marker for belonging within a particular in-group and
helps to establish solidarity with others who understand the lexicon, it also erects
barriers to outsiders and ensures those groups dealing with drugs will not fall into the
hands of authorities.
o As Burridge says: ‘slang works very much like a masonic mortar, to stick
members of a group together – and of course, at the same time, erect barriers
between them and the outside’

- Teenspeak and Identity

The ability of slang to act as a marker of in-group membership and identity is most obviously
demonstrated via teenager’s use of Teenspeak. Whereby this sense of privacy, seclusion and
rebelliousness is what unite today’s teenagers together through its shared lexicon and sense of
solidarity.

- Portal.kms.vic.gov.au
o In late 2021, with vaccine bookings made available by the Victorian
Government, the blended e-speak lexeme ‘portal.kms.vic.gov.au’ gained
popularity and traction within a post by VCE student Eli Solly in the Facebook
group VCE Discussion Space.
§ This lexeme creatively blends the Teenspeak initialism ‘kms’ – meaning
kill myself – with the URL ‘portal.com.vic.gov.au’ that leads to the
Victorian government’s vaccine booking website.
• Whereby it requires both inference of the cultural context (i.e.
meaning of kms) and situational context (i.e. absurd difficulty of
booking a vaccine) to understand.
§ As it is predominantly and exclusively teenagers (particularly teenage
VCE students) that have this prior knowledge, the lexemes helps to
identify the writer as a member of the teenage group and thus reflects
their social identity.

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o By extension, this lexeme also helps to build solidarity amongst teenagers in the
VCE Discussion Space group by highlighting their shared struggles with booking a
vaccine and mental health during the tumultuous present.

- Clothing the Gaps online store (Jan 2022-Current)

o When entering the website, a pop up which says ‘join the fam’ appears and asks
for your email.
§ The shortening ‘fam’ is an example of Teenspeak which has gained the
affection of many teenagers in recent times.
§ By leveraging on Teenspeak, it helps to create a cohesive ‘Clothing the
Gaps’ community on two fronts.
• Firstly, it reflects the young, contemporary and hip identity of
the company, which is one that the Australian youth aligns with.
As a result, this shared group identity and language helps to
both engender solidarity and allow the company to attract its
target consumers.
• Secondly, the semantic value of ‘fam’ points towards a group of
people that embody a strong sense of social propinquity. Hence,
this thereby both lowers the social distance between the
company and its consumers, and helps to create an ostensible
community.
- ‘Bro was caught in 4K’
o In February 2022, Tik Tok User, user459743953 commented “Bro was caught in
4K”.
§ Here, by utilising the lexical shortening, “bro”, and the non-standard
verb phrase, “caught in 4K”, which has jargonistic connotations of high-
quality camera resolution, the user is able to express the notion of being
caught red-handed with an distinctively teenage and youthful tenor.
o By employing such terms, the user exploits the enigmatic and ambiguous quality
of slang, thus simultaneously leaving outsiders perplexed about the meaning
behind their parlance, whilst also building rapport with fellow young, Tik Tok
users.
§ As such, this is also reflective of teen’s descriptivist attitudes towards
language, where such examples of teenspeak is justification for their

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penchant to be innovative and malleable with the language they

employ.

Hence, teenspeak slang lexemes such as ‘kms’ and ‘fam; work very much like a masonic mortar, to
stick members of a group together – and of course, at the same time, erect barriers between them
and the outside’ (Burridge). Alas, Teenspeak is capable of constructing and reflecting a distinct
identity for teenagers that separates them from adults and relies on their shared knowledge and
experiences.

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