The unique slang of the language preferred "Down Under" has seen a spiralling slump in its use. Historian Richard Magoffin warns that Australian's own culture and identity is fading under the assault of U.S. television shows, even though a tourist or a foreigner who opens up an Australian newspaper might still find what they see written as bizarre.

Most tourists who visit Australia are aware that barbecues are "barbies", but they may not realize to what extent suffixes are used and played on, sometimes almost to a flabbergasting effect.

Biker gangs, with their black leather jackets and reputations for violence, are for the most part feared by most people from around the world. In Australia they are simply called "bikie gangs."

Even the blonde and bronzed surfers who brave the waves are called "surfies". Watching the surfies from the beach could be a "fisho" who would not want a "bitie", which is "any creature such as an insect, spider or snake which might bite".

And while the bushies in the United States are mostly known for having a residence on Pennsylvania Avenue, in Australia they just live in the vast outback - the bush.

Historian Magoffin believes younger generations are losing out on the creative slang used by native Aussies.

Magoffin complains, "I met a kid the other day who had never heard of a schemozzle (brawl, commotion or muddle) ... another bloke at the pub called me buddy and I said, 'it's mate'".

Don't spit the dummy (get upset) mate, judging from the local newspapers, she'll be right (it'll turn out okay).