Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jajdude]

Dumb question but I'm bored. I picked up the "mate" expression a while ago and use it a lot. Also, "cheers" has entered my usage. Hanging out with people not from Canada or US will do that to you, I guess. I'm sure the folks back home would have a laugh. We never used the word. Also, my accent has nearly disappeared. (Newfoundland, used to be a strong one. Now people there sound somewhat like Irish to me.)

[RACETRAITOR]

I've started using "cheers" a lot. One of my American friends here used to always call everyone his mate. It's an embarrassing side effect of being a skinhead.

[Lao Wai]

Hey,

No...I don't. And, it slightly annoys me when others from Canada and the U.S. do. However, I'm mature enough to realize that it shouldn't bother me, so I would never say anything.

It's kind of like how most of the expats here in Hong Kong do the 'Euro-kiss' regardless of whether they're from Europe or not. It just seems a little too 'ooh la la' to me. However, I now find that I do it because people expect you too...and what am I going to do, duck my head out of the way as they lean in? And besides, I guess there are worse things in the world than kissing a woman everytime you see/meet one.

[jinju]

If a guy has a mate it better be a woman. Otherwise its really gay.

[happeningthang]

I'm an Australian, and was always a bit annoyed, for no good reason, when people back home would call me 'dude'.

In Aus I was a big practitioner of the 'mate', but living overseas and hanging out with Canucks and Yanks the words 'dude' and 'awesome' have made a strong appearance.

I'm getting pretty good at identifying a nationality, and reserving 'mate' for the Poms, Irish, Kiwis, and fellow Aussies. Otherwise it's 'dude' for the Northern Americans.

I still don't know what to use with Saffers though.

[rednblack]

Youv'e got it right Happeningthang. I'm also a mate and cheers person but can't bring myself around to saying dude and awesome. With Sth African people I just use mate. Right or wrong, I'm not sure, but they always respond in a similar fashion.

[chris_J2]

'Mate' is the Australian equivalent of 'buddy' or 'bud'.

[ella]

No "mate" or "cheers" but I have been known to say "dude." It's one of those all-purpose words.

[tzechuk]

I say *cheers* - but I am a Brit... what do you expect...

[mnhnhyouh]

I do use mate, and cheers. I also use Pal, but I am not being as nice when I use that....

h

[shifter2009]

I depends on my company, I got a good aussie friend and when I am with him the mate comes out all the time. Normally, I never say it. I think I am some sort of mannerism leach, sucking the slang from whoever I am around. I called someone a wanker the other day and I really had to think about who i was becoming.

[JMO]

I say 'mate', 'boss', 'big man' and 'kid' depending on who I'm talking to. They all mean pretty much the same thing though.

[twg]

Only when talking to Aussie friends

[rawiri]

My standard opener- Howyagoinmate, allright?

[Grimalkin]

I use 'mate' and 'cheers', have never picked up 'dude' or 'awesome' but have started using 'wanna' and 'gonna'.

Still haven't figured out how to answer 'whatsup'!