Alexa continues to learn and lap up Australian culture, with Amazon announcing the addition of new strayan slang to her vocabulary.
Inspired by The Betoota Advocate’s Betoota-isms, well-worn phrases like “dog’s eye'' to emerging social-media slang like “bachelor’s handbag” are part of Alexa’s ongoing Aussie language education.
“If you’re new to Australia and are asked if you’d like a dog’s eye for lunch, or if you should foot falcon it to the rissole, our local slang can sometimes make you feel like you need a translator,” said Kate Gooden, head of product and Alexa experience at Amazon Australia.
“As we continue to teach Alexa how to put on a banger (a great tune, not a sausage) or to let you know if it’ll be bucketing down this arvo, we’ve been committed to not only adding the Aussie classics, but also some new terms emerging in Aussie conversations so it’s easy for Alexa to understand you. Just like a mate!”
Alexa, tell me something Aussie
“Australians are renowned for their habit of abbreviating and evolving words for conversation – terms like “arvo” and “servo” sent social media wild in recent years as the world discovered Aussie words and their translations,” said Dr. Amanda Laugesen, language expert and director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre.
“We also have a unique ability to turn everyday items into linguistic icons. From terms that reference our beloved hot chooks at Woollies (bachelor’s handbag), to classic summer footwear (private school pluggers), Alexa’s latest lingo additions really capture the fun of everyday Aussie banter.”
But Alexa….what’s a Bachelor’s Handbag?
The new social conversation phases are now live on Alexa-enabled devices like Echo smart speakers, Echo Show smart screens, and Fire TV devices.
From today Aussies can test how much they understand Aussie slang by asking their Alexa device or the Alexa app the following questions:
“Alexa, what is a Bachelor's Handbag”
“Alexa, what is a Rissole?”
“Alexa, what is a Dog's Eye?”
“Alexa, what is a Private School Plugger?”
“Alexa, what is a Foot Falcon?”
“Alexa, what is a Tuesday Frisbee?”
“Alexa, who is the Baroness of Broadbeach?”
Errol Parker, editor-at-large for the Betoota Advocate said, “I’ve seen my fair share of wishywashy wannabee slang come and go, but I can honestly say that these new additions are as bonza as the baroness of broadbeach herself.”
Kate Gooden, head of Alexa product and experience, said: “Today’s new vocab updates are just a glimpse into the work we do every day to make Alexa feel more like a mate – from knowing who won the grand final, to having the perfect recipe for the weekend BBQ or a Hottest 100 playlist for an afternoon with friends.
“This way Alexa feels more like a family member or friend".
To get started, say: “Alexa, tell me something Aussie”.
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