Author(s): Kel Richards & the Macquarie Dictionary

Writing, Language & Reference

This is a fascinating and often very funny book of the words we use in everyday speech. From Adelaide to Armidale, Darwin to Deniliquin - the meanings might be the same, but the words are often very different! In conjunction with the Macquarie Library, ABC Online conducted a poll amongst the ABC audience - is our use of idiom, slang and euphemism the same Australia-wide? Is the word for swimming costume the same in Perth as it is in Brisbane? Is the word 'bogan' used across the nation? What are 'bingo wings' and are they called that in Hobart or in Cairns? The WordMap defines and charts the highly idiosyncratic language that Aussies love best, to discover whether we do have a common language after all. About the Author: Kel Richards is a journalist, author and ABC broadcaster. As well as 'Word of the Day' on Classic FM Breakfast, Kel writes and presents 'WordWatch' daily on the ABC's Newsradio network. Among his recent books are Word of the Day (with Clive Robertson), The Aussie Bible and Kel Richards' Pocket Guide to Clear English. No other person could do justice to the WordMap!