NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/08/19/australia.mate.ap/index.html

And I thought the US had stupid laws ;)
Seriously, trying to stop Australians from saying 'mate' is like banning lisping in San Francisco ^_^

why was the bill even proposed in the first place???????????????????

Humour?

All in the name of political correctness. :( You would think people in government would have more serious issues to worry about.

this is taking 'i'm not you're mate,mate' too seriously

Of all the stupid things I have ever heard!! That's one for Mr. Howard, in my books.

I wouldn't say 'LOL' if I were you. A simple 'Ha!' would be more respectable and approperiate for this situation.

Insult Visitors? I'd be expecting the sterotype, I'd be insulted if they DIDN'T say Mate.

Insult Visitors? I'd be expecting the sterotype, I'd be insulted if they DIDN'T say Mate.
So would I. If I went to Australia and some guy in a widebrim hat with one side curled up called me 'sir' I would be afraid.

All I can say is 'WTF m8!?'

They're full of malarkey! I love hearing Aussies say mate. :)

:mad: THATS UDDER INSANITY!!! :mad: how can he propose to do that to them. its like... banning cows from mooing and cats from living in barns

:mad: THATS UDDER INSANITY!!! :mad: how can he propose to do that to them. its like... banning cows from mooing and cats from living in barns

please tell me the use of udder wasnt just a coincidence there

This is the sort of simultaneous hilarity and idiocy that makes me want to do this: :D :headbang:

Erm, so if I read correctly, the governing body of Australia (Parliament, Congress, whatever the hell its called) has nothing better to do than to ban the saying of the word "mate" in Australia???

They probably want to reform Australia's image. They're embarassed diplomatically by the stereotypical "mate" thing and wish to change their look. From now on, Australians will be known as the People Who No Longer Say "Mate" But Now Says... [complete your montey python reference here]

Ha ha ha! Howard called George. W. Bush 'mate'! I dunno specifically why but the idea of any one with an Australian accent calling saying that to George W rather tickles me :D

Erm, so if I read correctly, the governing body of Australia (Parliament, Congress, whatever the hell its called) has nothing better to do than to ban the saying of the word "mate" in Australia???

nope. the governing body of Australia (Parliament and don't swear) has nothing better to do than listen to some idiot who wants the security staff at Parliament house to call him sir not mate.

Oh God.....

So that's why Lucifer was telling me it was getting cold...

Hell really did freeze over!

Whoever came up with this one is a complete idiot.

You do not try to change the common vernacular of your own nation's language, just because someone from outside your nation doesn't like it. That's completely assinine.

Personally, I find the Australian use of 'mate' to be a pleasant part of their cultural identity, kind of like we Canadian's use of 'eh' (it's a stereotype, but it's still true!), and the American's "I'M GONNA SHOOT YOU IN THE FACE!!!" Okay, okay, I'm kidding, geez. :D A real American example, the use of 'y'all' in a lot of the southern States. I used to hear it a lot, and it always sounded nice in their accent. :)

Australians are completely silly anyway.


Who the hell leaves George Smith on the bench for a test match???


Really. Still aussies.