No no no, not in Australia. Not here.
However, some of you may remember that a long time ago I wrote the post called Australian Language: We’ve Got A Word You Haven’t! And today I’m going to tell you about another word you haven’t got; we may not have rednecks, chavs, white trash or trailer park boys here, but we do have…
Bogans
Whichever country you live in, especially those of you from the United States, UK or Canada, you’ll be particularly aware of the stereotypes I have mentioned above. So you’ll probably not need me to explain exactly what a bogan is. But just in case anyone is unsure of where we’re going with this, let’s see what the Wikipedia entry for bogan has to say:
“The term bogan is Australian and New Zealand slang, usually pejorative or self-deprecating, for an individual who is recognised to be from an unsophisticated background or someone whose speech, clothing, attitude and behaviour exemplifies a lack of manners and education. Whilst bogan is widely recognised, localised names exist that describe the same or very similar groups of people.”
We’ve had a very serious week here on Bobinoz, what with the election and my explanation of preferential voting. So today I thought it was a good idea to lighten things up and take a look at bogan culture in Australia.
When I think of chavs, shellsuits and mullets spring to mind. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shellsuit here in Australia, but I have seen one or two mullets. But before we all start laughing at bogan’s, I should point out that there is a website called Things Bogans Like and they have published a list of over 250, yes, you’ve guessed it, things bogan’s like.
I have had a quick squiz through the list and some of the things that bogans like, I do too. For example, Foxtel, without whom live Premier League football would not be possible for me; freedom of speech, for obvious reasons and… oh, well those two anyway. Does that make me a bit of a bogan? Maybe you have a bit of bogan too.
Do you like IKEA? Yes, it’s on the list.
Those of you who don’t mind your language X-rated can see the full list here to see how bogan you really are.
But today is Friday, time for a YouTube…
So I’m taking it that “Amal and the nitrates” are a spoof of bogans? Or they their proud of it?
Good old Bogan humour I reckon 🙂
I remember in 1986 where I worked they called them “westies” and people used the word “feral”. As in the guys “feral”
“Westies” being anyone west of Sydney was wild or anyone from mount Isa was “feral”
Those were the days, can’t do it now, thanks to the woke crowd. I don’t think you can even call us Queenslanders Banana Benders anymore…
Bigot.
There is no bigotry here, check your dictionary. Lighten up, this is humour.
I have noticed something very disturbing apropos of these “Bogans”. So you’re walking down the street and see these gorgeous, absolutely fabulous ladies, tastefully dressed, but not too much, with these real slobs. I mean torn t-shirts, stained jeans, cigarette dangling, beer spitting slobs. What is up with that? I have not been all round the continent, but I have seen this in Melbourne & Sydney. Especially during a big sports event. Is there something about the hemispheres being inverted or something? What chance is there for a nice, clean, well spoken bloke?
Ha ha, YouTube need a new video and a new song, maybe “All the pretty girls love a Bogan!”
Hello Bob:
Your blog re. Oz is a delight. My wife and I were in Canberra for three years and loved it. Would have emigrated, but we were too old to make the cut! Bleah! Keep me on your distribution list, however. There are young friends of mine I am advising to move to Australia.
Todd
Thanks Todd for the thumbs up, sorry you were able to stay here, it’s not an easy country to get into at times. Yes, I’ll certainly keep you on my list, and thanks again for your comment.
Bob
Hey Bob
What other country has elected representatives from the Australian Motoring Enthusiasts Party, PUP and the Australian Sex Party. Maybe a few bogans in there!!!!!
Regards Anne
That’s true, but it’s also fair to say that the UK don’t do bad when it comes to unusual political parties…
https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/12381/political-parties-uk-versus-australia/
Very funny.
We are moving to Brisbane next year and I was looking forward to growing a mullet. Great website Bob.
Cheers!
And I look forward to seeing your mullet! Cheers, Bob
Ahhh I scored 14 on that. Maybe I can’t move to Australia….. I don’t want to be a bogan. However seriously who doesn’t like a tax rebates (thank you mr tax man) and losing weight for summer (especially after a stupid cold British winter where all you want to eat is stodgy food) just to pick two examples??? Can I still come in or will I be tested on this at arrivals and put on a plane straight back?
No, I think you’ll be fine. There is a tipping point after which it’s difficult to disguise the fact you are a bogan, 14 isn’t it. Just try and keep them as your own little secret, apart from those universal ones like tax rebates which anyone can openly admit to.
Too funny! I play footy here in the US for the Minnesota Freeze and we named our scrimage team the Cashed up Bogans, we beat the Drop Bears just about every Monday night! No mullets were harmed in any match!
We’ve got cash up bogan is here as well!