IF you know anything about Australian culture, chances are you are aware of their "G'day mate!" greeting.
But is it true that the phrase - specifically the word "mate" - was once banned in Australia?
Verdict:
TRUE
It might be shocking to some but it's true, mate!
On Aug 18, 2005, the word was banned at Australia's centre of government - national parliament in Canberra.
In an edict from a senior civil servant, guards and attendants at Australia’s Parliament House were told not to use the common Australian expression of endearment when admitting visitors and politicians.
Staff was issued written instructions to "be aware of when a degree of informality may be acceptable and when a more formal approach is required" with guards being told to refer to people as sir and ma’am.
The ban was imposed after a head of a government department complained about being called mate, as reported in the local media.
If you think that's bizarre, you would be even more mind blown to know that the ruling was overturned the next day!
The ban was overturned after the rule sparked outrage and a barrage of protests - including from Australia's then-Prime Minister and his predecessor!
John Howard, Australia's Prime Minister from 1996 to 2007, said it was "absurd", adding that he once used the term to describe then US President George W. Bush.
"These things are all a matter of context, and that’s why it’s impractical and absurd to try and ban something," Howard said.
Bob Hawke - who served as the Prime Minister for Australia from 1983 to 1991 - was infuriated by the ban, saying that it was "pomposity gone mad".
Historians have said that the word "mate" in Australia originally referred to someone's working partner, but has evolved into a term of affection.
References:
https://apnews.com/article/d3de9b39c6e7066fb69842f470997d2d
https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9004937
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/aug/20/australia.bernardoriordan
