How to Speak Australian In A Bar With Mates & Blokes
Australians are a very hospitable sort of people and for that reason, a traveler may find him/herself invited to join a group of Aussies at a pub for a drink.
At this point our intrepid traveler is joining what is commonly referred to in Australia as a “School” (3 or more persons). After one has joined the School the appropriate etiquette is to “shout” in turn.
A shout means buying a round of drinks in turn until everyone in the school has bought once. At this point, any member of the School can depart. Should someone need to leave the school before the shout is complete they are obligated to buy their round before leaving.
If this person were to depart before buying his/her round, cries of “wouldn’t shout if a shark bit him” may be heard echoing behind him/her as the person departs the pub. Also one may be described as having “long pockets and short arms.”
Women & The Rules Of ‘The Shout’
Australia is a very “blokey” society and everyone is a “mate.” Chivalry is struggling a bit and women (unless married and their husband is covering the shout – see later – or she is in serious relationship & her boyfriend has it covered) are given equal status within the school (i.e. expected to buy).
Some men would not entirely agree with this statement, but we will leave it at that.
Practically every pub, bar and club in Australia has a Pokey. This is a simple gaming device, much like a video poker or electronic sports game which are prevalent in bars in America.
Cheers mates!
It’s good to know that three or more people drinking together are called a “school” in Australia. My sister and I were thinking about going out for some drinks at a bar and grill later this week. Thanks for teaching me these common etiquette rules since I don’t go out drinking often!
Every place has its drinking rules, official or otherwise. Cheers mate!