Diminutives in Australian English
Diminutive forms of words are commonly used in everyday Australian English. While many dialects of English make use of diminutives and hypocorisms, Australian English uses them more extensively than any other. Diminutives may be seen as slang, but many are used widely across the whole of society. Some forms have also spread outside Australia to other English speaking countries. There are over 5,000 identified diminutives in use in Australian English. Usage. In other English dialects, diminutives usually imply smallness or have a childish connotation such as in 'birdie', 'doggy', or 'kitty'. While diminutives can be used  in this way in Australian English, they are also used widely in a non-childish manner with over 4300 being recorded. For example, "bikie" (a motorcycle, or motorbike club member), does not imply a bicycle in a small or childish sense as it may in other English dialects. In Australian English, diminutives are usually formed by taking the first part of a word, and adding an ending such as "a", "o", "ie", or "y". Sometimes, no ending is added. While the form of a diminutive is arbitrary, their use follows strict rules. Diminutives are not used creatively. For example, an  ambulance paramedic is called an "ambo", never "ambie", or "amba". Some diminutives are almost always used in preference to the original form, while others are rarely used or restricted to certain groups or locations. The use of diminutives also evolves over time with new words coming into use and falling out of favour. Some diminutives have become so common that the original form has fallen out of common usage. For example, "Salvos" has begun to replace the name "Salvation Army" to such an extent that some Australians do not recognise the Salvation Army name. "Deli" has become so universal that  delicatessen is rarely used. Some words, such as "ute", from utility vehicle, a car with a tray back, have become universal. There is common usage of the diminutive forms of people's names; Hargrave → Hargie; Sharon → Shazza; Clark→ Clarky; Wilkinson → Wilko; John → Jonno; David → Davo; Hogan → Hoges; James → Jimmy → Jim → Jimbo; Benjamin → Ben → Benno; Barry → Bazza. This is usually a display of affection and acceptance rather than belittlement. Organizations and businesses will often embrace the diminutives given to them by Australians, using them in their own advertising and  even registering it as a trademark. McDonald's Australia, for example, has registered and uses the name "Macca's", rather than the term "McDonald's" still seen on its restaurants in Australia. Some diminutives are rarely used, but widely recognised. For example, "chalkie" means "teacher", but most Australians simply call a teacher a teacher. Diminutives are often used for place names, and are only recognised by people in the local area, for example, "cot" for "Cottesloe Beach" in Perth, "Parra" for "Parramatta" in Sydney and "Broady" for "Broadmeadows" in Melbourne. Pub and hotel names in particular are often shortened. For  example, pubs called the Esplanade Hotel, such as the Esplanade Hotel in St. Kilda, will often be called "The Espy". Purpose and History. The purpose of diminutives in Australian English is not well understood despite being a prominent part of Australian culture. Some research suggests that the use of diminutives serves to make interactions more informal, friendly and relaxed. Linguist Anna Wierzbicka argues that Australians' use of diminutives reflects Australian cultural values of mateship, friendliness, informality, and solidarity, while downplaying formality and avoiding bragging associated with tall poppy syndrome. Records of the use of diminutives in Australian English date back  to the 1800s. Older Australians tend to prefer diminutives with endings such a '-o' in smoko (a work rest break), however younger Australians have begun to use endings such as -s as seen in totes (totally). List of diminutives. This list contains noteworthy and commonly understood diminutives from Australian English. Those marked ‡ are also common in other English dialects. Back to top Back to top C. Back to top Back to top Back to top F. Back to top G. Back to top H. Back to top I. Back to top J. Back to top K. Back to top L.  Back to top M. Back to top Back to top P. Back to top Q. Back to top R. Back to top Back to top Back to top U. Back to top V. Back to top W. Back to top