Australians also speak English, but their names for some things would be
foreign to an American. To illustrate, what's a kirby grip ? Give up ? It's what
we in the United States call a bobby pin. If you plan to do some camping, don't
go into an Australian sporting goods store and ask for a sleeping bag. Bluey is the
Correct word.
Of course, you don't have to leave America to find different words for the
same thing. For instance, an overstuffed sandwich may be called a hero, hoagie,
submarine, dagwood, or torpedo. Depending on what part of the country you're
from, youeitherput groceries in a sack or a bag. A sweet, bubbly drink in Missouri
is called a phosphate. When you re in Chicago, it's pop. In New York, it's a soda.
(From Patterns of Language by Jerome Martin)
