In Australia, a bench is commonly referred to as a ‘seat’. In some parts of the country, such as Victoria, they may also refer to a bench as a ‘form’ or ‘form seat’. It is not unusual to find ‘public seats’ or ‘park seats’ placed near historic landmarks, along parade routes and in mail parks.
Benches can also be found in many public places, including shopping centres, airports, bus and train station platforms, universities and sporting grounds.
What does bench mean in Australia?
In Australia, the term “bench” is usually used to refer to a seat or area for people to sit on, often outdoors, such as a park bench or a deck bench. The term can also be used to refer to any kind of seating arrangement which is either in the form of an elevated platform or a stand that people can take a break on, like a picnic bench.
Bench seating can also refer to wooden seating arrangements typically found inside churches and other places of worship.
What is the origin of bench?
The origin of the word “bench” dates back to the Middle English word ‘benche’, which came from Vulgar Latin word ‘bancus’, meaning ‘bank’ or ‘long seat’. This long seat was derived from the Latin ‘bancus’, meaning a ‘table’ from the Greek ‘banchō’, meaning ‘to scream’.
The term bench first appeared in English in the 14th century, most likely in reference to the seating in a church. In the 16th century, it began to refer to other types of raised seating, such as benches in the marketplace.
Benches were used in the 1600s to separate different classes of people attending an event. For example, a raised seat within the country court reserved for justices, jurors and witnesses became known as the ‘bench’.
Today, benches are still commonly found in both public and private settings, used as a comfortable place to rest, a surface for eating and drinking, as well as for simply providing a place to sit. They can be found in public places, from parks and gardens, to hallways and classrooms.
Benches are also often used in bedrooms, providing a place to set or store items and a comfortable surface for putting on socks or shoes.
Why is it called a workbench?
The term workbench typically refers to a surface used to perform manual work or to support tools while constructing and repairing items. It can also refer to a surface used in workshops or engineering laboratories to support tools and materials used for manual operations and experiments.
Historically, workbenches in most workshops were made of two sawhorses and a board to provide a sturdy and level working area. The board also served as a storage area for tools.
The term workbench originates from the old German word banc, which means bench and was used to describe benches used in woodworking and carpentry. The term was later adopted and shortened in various European languages, such as French, Spanish, and English.
Workbenches have become more technologically advanced over the years, taking on a variety of different shapes and sizes and made from materials such as wood, metal, and even plastic. Despite their evolution over the years, the fundamental purpose of workbenches remains unchanged.
What does the slang word bench mean?
The slang word “bench” is short for “benching,” which is when someone has someone else as a type of backup. For instance, a person might keep someone “benched” as a romantic option if their current relationship isn’t going as well as they’d like.
In a way, it’s like having someone “on the sidelines” in case things don’t work out. So when someone says they’re “benching” someone, it means that they’re keeping that person around as a potential option while they take other steps in their life or pursue other relationships.
What is Aussie slang for sperm?
Aussie slang for sperm is usually referred to as “jizz” or “spooge”. This term is commonly used as a joke or in more informal contexts. It is used to describe semen, a fluid that is released during sexual arousal and ejaculation of sperm.
Jizz is a slang term which is derived from the verb “to jism” or the verb form “to ejaculate”, which according to Merriam-Webster is defined as “to discharge semen either voluntarily or involuntarily”.
This term is not to be confused with “spunk”, which is another slang term for semen.
How do you say closet in Australian?
In Australia, the term for “closet” is “cupboard”. This is similar to the British English term for closet as well. You might hear people also refer to closets as “wardrobe”, especially for larger spaces.
An example of how to use the term in a sentence would be, “I need to organize my cupboard and get rid of some of the clutter.”
Do Australians say wee or pee?
The answer to this question depends on the context in which the term is used. In Australia, the terms “wee” and “pee” have both become generally accepted words to refer to the act of urinating. In most cases, it is appropriate to use either one and not really considered incorrect.
In some cases, however, “wee” is used more typically when speaking to younger children, while “pee” is typically used when talking to adults. Similarly, some adults often use “wee” when referring to their own urination, while “pee” may be used for others.
Additionally, “wee-wee” can be used to denote the act of urinating in a humorous or playful manner, commonly amongst young children. Ultimately, both “wee” and “pee” are commonly used throughout Australia to refer to urination and are mostly interchangeable.
Is verandah an Australian word?
Yes, verandah is an Australian term. It is used to describe a covered area outside of a building, often with a wall or railing, that extends off the exterior of the home. This term is generally associated with Australia, stemming from the colonial period when settlers adopted the use of verandahs to add shade and protect from the elements.
Verandahs continued to be seen as a distinguishing feature of colonial-style architecture throughout Australia. Today, the use of verandahs remains a common occurrence in many parts of Australia, from large cities like Sydney or Melbourne to rural areas throughout the country.
What are 5 Aussie slang words or phrases?
1. Sweet as – This phrase is used to express being pleased or successful with something.
2. Struth – A word used as an intensifier or when in shock or disbelief.
3. Chuck a U-ey – This phrase is used in reference to making a U-turn.
4. Cranky – Used to describe someone who is grumpy or in a bad mood.
5. No Worries – Often used to dismiss the concern of someone or alternatively to express that you don’t need help.
What is the most Australian thing to say?
The most quintessentially Australian thing to say would be ‘G’day mate!’ This phrase originated in the early 20th century and is widely used across the country to make a friendly greeting. Its familiarity and unique combination of English and Aboriginal words makes it especially iconic, and it has become a cornerstone of Australian vernacular.
Other examples include ‘no worries’, ‘she’ll be right’ and ‘fair dinkum’.
What is the most Aussie word?
Many people would agree that the word ‘budgie smugglers’ is the most Aussie word of all. This term is used to refer to skimpy swimming trunks—traditionally plain and blue—that hug the contours of a man’s body and leave little to the imagination.
It is believed that this term was coined during the 1970s on the beach strips of Sydney and Melbourne as a funny reference to the common Australian bird species, the budgerigar. Over the years, the term has become slang for men’s swimwear, and it is commonly used across Australia to this day.
What are some examples of Australian slang?
Australian slang is an important part of the country’s culture and identity. There are many examples of the unique vernacular that you might hear in the Land Down Under, such as:
– Chook: A term for chicken
– Barbie: Short for barbecue
– Thongs: Flip flops or sandals
– Servo: A petrol station
– Smoko: A short break
– Bickie: A biscuit or a cookie
– Gimme Sheilas: An expression for female companions
– Convo: Short for conversation
– Crook: Feeling sick, unwell, or poor in quality
– Dodgy: Sketchy or dubious in nature
– Bogan: A generally unrefined person
– Chuck a U-ey: Make a U-turn
