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@cerasus/Malone: you have reminded me that, when I visited South Africa about 20 years later, I did indeed hear 'just now' used that way. The lady I referred to wasn't South African, but I wonder if she had that link somewhere in her family.

Other different uses of words in South Africa include:
- robots = traffic lights
- packet = carrier bag (a South African here in the UK asked a shopkeeper for a packet, leaving the shopkeeper wondering if it was a packet of biscuits, of tea, of what?)
- my favourite, sorry ... stiffy = the smaller firmer disc that took the place of the floppy disc (she was new here, and asked her office team of men if anyone had a stiffy ...much sniggering ensued)

I think that tyke has nailed it

Aussies tend to abbreviate, but probably no more than the Brits . . abbr. intended

As a group we tend to be proud of our abbreviations and slang . . even though, as a relatively young country, most of our 'Australian' slang terminology is imported (Cockney rhyming slang plays a big part)

Sadly from my point of view, much of our colourful language has been lost; overwhelmed by that of the 'Land of the Free'

I have 'had a go' at the competitions in the past, but I am an infrequent, visitor

Hannah and Tyke

Thanks. I dont like the abbrevs but they are better than the ridiculous names we have here: Emirates Old Trafford, Blackfinch New Road etc.

I didnt know about the Cockney Rhyming Slang down there, but I am pleased to hear of it. Sorry about the American influence, happening here too.

ChrisE

A belated thanks for the research on McD....... I looked into the history of "Subway" (which I often visit) when the founder died a few years ago. Incredible how these businesses grow from one shop.

Anyone agree with Giles Coren saying he’ll punch in the eye anyone who says “at the minute” when they mean “at the moment”?

I think that’s mostly said oop north. I don’t hear it down here too often.

Cloverjo, how far north is 'oop north'? I'm in Scotland and don't think 'at the minute' is used up here!

Hannah, interesting to hear about the Aussies' love of abbreviations. I'm afraid I know only the rather cliched ones - tinnies and stubbies and Eskies (spelling?)!

I have, from crosswords, learned "arvo" and "ute"

ChrisE, I'd forgotten about those. I've never liked 'arvo' - it's ungainly!

ChrisE, Malone . .

"Ute" has virtually replaced "tilly" (utility truck)

When "stubbies" took their place beside "tinnies" in the '60's' they were known as "stumpies" where I lived, but the easier to pronounce name soon prevailed

Arvo = arvie = arv

Some abbreviations from the racetrack: Quaddie (Quadrella), Tri (Trifecta), Quinnie (Quinella)

Other abbreviations (and examples may not be as common as I had thought): "Nasho" (National Service), "Myxo" (Myxomatosis . . a disease introduced to control the rabbit plague), "Wal" (policeman . . from 'walloper' = rhyming slang for 'copper') . . Possibly used in 'The Old Country' (thanks Grandma) as well