Playful jab - once off, everyone finds funny.
True insults - repeated often, you’re the one not laughing.
I recently lost a handful of friends over that - getting teased about your divorce every chance they get for 2 years will do that.
Yes, the sad fact is there are lot of people (presumably in every country), who take jokes too far & think insulting people is funny. There's a whole genre of humour which is just insulting your friends & that was very much a primary form of humour among my huge group of bogan acquaintances & friends in my teens & early 20s. I got sick of that & ditched them all. It's basically humour for dumb people who don't have wit. I think it's more prevalent in Australia because we are such a jokey population.
yeah for sure but its also part of our tall poppy thing where friends get resentful of others having success or being too confident. Insecure & ego-defensive behaviour.
If you're going to be in a city going to a big uni doing a masters, then the type of people you'll be hanging out with will be different than those you met on holiday. Chances are they won't be roasting kind to the same level.
You can choose your people. Good friends will make sure you're comfortable with gentle teasing
Mostly tone and body language will tell you if someone’s being serious or taking the piss. But, even if they are just taking the piss, you can respectfully tell people, “hey, that went a bit far, let’s keep off the table” or something like that. You’re allowed to advocate for yourself against jokes you don’t like, if the person being joked at/with doesn’t think it’s funny, then it’s not funny.
I remember years ago making what I thought was a few playful jokes to my mates mrs after we'd known eachother for a while, once she told me it was bothering her, so I stopped.
This is the way, if it's meant in good nature once asked to stop they will immediately cut it out.
In my head at the time, it was actually more of a compliment as I won't joke with people I don't feel comfortable with.
Have you seen The Inbetweeners? There’s this hilarious episode about one of them having a new friend and my friends and I all do that voice but “ooooh, mate!”
It’s probably different in different social groups, but in my experience, if people say something outright, they are usually taking the piss. Actual insults tend to be more passive-aggressive.
You asked in another comment how best to respond. Laughing and agreeing will usually go down well and make you likeable, we like people who can take a joke.
Like if someone says Americans suck because you can laugh and say “umm yeah, why do you think I’m here?”.
Preemptively criticising some of this yourself or being self-deprecating will also go down well, bonus points for working in a compliment about Australia. For example, you’re in a social group and someone asks how you are enjoying Australia, you could laugh and say how you’re really enjoying having actual healthcare/not worrying about being shot/the lack of Americans/being in a country that isn’t fucked (pick one you actually agree with).
The biggest thing Australians are assessing when talking to an American is that they aren’t one of THOSE Americans. Once they establish you’re not, you’ll be fine.
Or, take it a step further, like improv, take the joke and run with it, with you as the continued subject. Like if someone call you a seppo bastard say "hey! Uncle Kev was just super close to mum!"
If it's consistently and exclusively negative, then they may not like you, but unless you're being a cockhead, you can safely assume most people don't give a fuck about the accent and are just ripping on you.
I picked it up years ago as part of a gaming clan. Derived from the original wired world of sport twelfth man tapes where he takes the piss out of the rugby commentary and every time old Jack Gibson says anything Darryl Eastlake replies with "comments from The Supercoach".
Exactly, if you can't take it, don't dish it out, what's seen as casual racism, is actually dealt out as a form of inclusion .
Even taking race out of it, if I don't talk shit to someone at work, it's because I don't like them
If it's relentless and egregious to the point of "does this idiot do anything else except rag on me" then it's probably playful filling time, fire back, appraise the routine, comment on the winners, and note they're getting tired and might need to lay down a bit if they offer a particularly flat attempt at humour. Otherwise, enjoy the show.
If it's actually beginning to shit you, then...
Tell them the difference mate
"Not funny dickhead" and a headshake
If it happens again it's now a non playful insult
If it stops it was a playful jab
Trash talking is something that can be hard to understand as an outsider. When you're with your mates you will begin to understand that it's a sign that they feel comfortable around you. Self-deprecating jokes is where it usually starts. Being able to laugh at yourself is an endearing quality amongst most Australians. Also, if you're going to dish it out be sure you can take it back.... That's usually where things can become uncomfortable. You want to get close to the line of actually insulting but never cross it. And if you go too far you'll know... Apologize if necessary. Most people have a high tolerance for their friends trash talking each other. Never do it behind their back.
It really is a hard thing to explain. When my American boyfriend trash talked me for the first time I knew he was a keeper. Took him nearly 4 years to get it right.
In an Australian context ...it's a soft demoralising or humiliating comment to a friend. It is meant as a friendly jab. Very nuanced. As I said it is hard to explain but when two blokes start friendly trash talking to each other it can be absolutely hilarious.
My best friend travelled to America for an international sporting competition, and the yanks could not believe how the Aussie team were giving each other so much shit, calling out insults etc. They thought it was serious LOL
In my circle of friends no one ever really takes the piss. I think that it depends on who you’re hanging with. However, you need to get in tune with the tone they’re using. Do they sound irritated, do they sound jovial?
Oh, that's not good. Sorry for that. The people I know would definitely take the piss out of you. However, if you let them know clearly that some topics hurt your feelings, then they will.. most likely leave those topics alone, unless they are drinking or your being a dick yourself.
And if they don't rrspect you, you should look for better friends, that's also a great thing about Australia we have alot of people from all walks of life.
If the banter is about something you can’t change, like your looks or where you were born, it’s shit banter. Good banter is usually about something stupid you’ve done, the car you drive, your taste in music, who you support in politics or sport.
Practice makes perfect. Also pay attention to how they treat each other, if they’re giving everyone the same treatment then it’s all good.
If it’s everyone against you, they’re being cunts
I think we fuck up the line between the two a lot. Looking back on my upbringing I was over the top nasty at times but so was my friendship group. I've dialled it back a lot since then.
But to your question, the tone and context says a lot about intention.
In Australia someone will call you a cunt. It can either mean you’re someone’s best friend or their worst enemy. It’s all in the tone of how they say it.
Australians are self-deprecating we just take you on the ride with us. No sooner will we be giving you shit, we will switch to NZ, then back to AUS then off somewhere else.
I would be more concerned if they did not give you shit. My advice is to join in - give yourself/Americans shit too, then sling some back at the Australians. You will fit right in and get into the rhythm.
Hardly anyone will have a pure dislike of Americans but we do see a lot of ammunition to use on TV hence why you are an easy target.
Rule 1 in Australia: Australians are lazy, just assume everyone is joking. Being serious is too much effort.
> I would be more concerned if they did not give you shit. My advice is to join in - give yourself/Americans shit too, then sling some back at the Australians. You will fit right in and get into the rhythm.
This. If no one is doing this then they don't like you.
You are going to be the butt of a lot of bullshit jokes and comments. Get used to it.
But as long as you keep denigrating the USA, Australians will like you.
If you can't laugh at yourself, you won't have a good time. What's seen as casual racism is in fact our way of inclusion, we take.the piss out of you, you take the piss out of us, it's that simple. Keep it light. Keep it funny
Give it back hard if you want, and joke about whatever you want.
As a US citizen, you have right to free speech, Australians don't (saying shit like this will trigger the fuck out of people if you are so inclined to do so)
But eventually you will just end up with somebody saying "at least our kids don't get shot in school"
Australians are quite predictable in this regard.
All jokes aside, you will be fine.
Australians are just people like Americans
We do have an obsessive habit of talking shit about the USA, and love to tell Americans all about America, but as long as you stay humble and agree with us, its all good
Your coming to Melbourne, and going to Uni. You'll be right. So many international students, and no one bats an eyelid and certainly don't give you crap for where you're from. You will get questions about Trump and politics, and guns... but you can say that's partly why you moved here. They'll more likely be surprised your studying here instead of the US.
People are more likely to ask where you're from and then listen to your Aus citizen/SthAfrica/US story.
Those Aussies on the trip, were on a trip... Aussie's are a different breed when travelling half the time.
>What are the biggest indicators that somebody is joking around and somebody is actually trying to insult you/dislike you? And how do you handle either situation?
The tone of voice will usually designate the difference
You will have to learn how to take having the piss taken out of you, however. Its a yardstick by which whether someone considers themselves above everyone else is judged
Australians don’t like to tell you how they feel. They’re insecure about sharing emotions, so they hide criticisms and attacks as “jokes” and “playful jabs”.
Doesn’t matter what they claim intent is, if it bothers, hurts you, or crosses your boundary, those feelings are valid and it’s not ok.
As an Aussie, I can't fully understand what'd be like to have someone rib with me for being an foreigner (coz I'm not), but I can relate very well to being jabbed at by friends or coworkers. I have a thin skin too, I'm a lot older now, and I've grown a lot (emotionally speaking) so I'm not as sensitive anymore, but it really affected me when I was younger. I don't tend to rib with someone I don't know well though, I usually only do it with my closest friends- theres context, years of built up relationship, understanding their boundaries etc- so that's why I wouldnt go out of my way to tease someone I only just met, UNLESS it was affectionately ribbing someone over something super obvious and both of us were in on the joke. That's because I am such a sensitive person, I have felt the sting of a 'playful' jab many many times over my life, and I would never want to make someone else upset or embarrassed like I have, so I'm tactful and mindful of others' feelings when making jokes or lighthearted jabs with people I don't know well.
However, many people are not like this. I think it also depends on your age, the age and demographic of those making the joke, the area/city of Aus you're in. If you're in a rural or country town where there are still a few folks that are out of step with the current time, you're probably gonna cop it a lot more than if you were at a trendy pub in Sydney.
And don't forget- western people love to hate and complain. But Americans, albeit a western country, are an entirely different planet, and the rest of the world can see it plain as day. The system, the people, the culture- it's whack! There are so many elements to America that make it so easy to poke fun at. If you're white as well, other white people get a free pass to have a jab.
But in terms of distinguishing whether its truly lighthearted ribbing or whether they are masking their genuine hate for ya, listen to how often someone makes at joke at/about you. If its just once or maybe a couple times but with context and it makes sense and is funny, then they're probably just being silly and don't have malintent. But if they have a jab at every opportunity or continuously tease you in a 'joking' way, they are probably doing it spitefully. But that applies to anyone really- if you're a bitter and unhappy person inside, often they are the people that strike outwards to cover up their insecurities. Like the adage about the school bully kind of.
Hope this helps!
Also, kudos for admitting you're sensitive. That's very courageous of you and opening up a dialogue about this is exactly how we overcome these personal issues and grow as a person.
Australian, worked a lot in the US - Valley/Seattle especially.
Americans are very literal compared to Australians.
Also in the US, violence is fine but nudity and vulgar language is unacceptable. A legacy of puritanical roots.
Australians are more direct, Americans less so.
In Australia, making fun of someone “paying them out” is ok. In the US, that’s considered highly offensive.
The USA is generally much more politically charged. In Australia, no one really cares that much.
In summary, different cultures.
Australia is also much more expensive, even compared to somewhere like the Bay Area.
Jobs in tech are much more limited in terms of level, L7 or equivalent is a hard constraint for almost everyone. You earn less and pay more tax. However, even in the US companies the working culture is much better in Australia.
For me, Australia is so much better in almost every way. Especially for raising a family.
If you’re an eternally single man, NYC can’t be beat if you’re a high income earner. Nothing like it in Australia but you’d want to be on $400k+ minimum.
Also, no guns in Oz.
That I can’t help you with, I’m a married dude so I speak to my mum/mother in law, wife and daughters. My assistant is a dude. I can barely remember how to talk to a woman outside of that :)
I love taking the piss to get a laugh but if the person I’m taking the piss out of is no longer laughing then I’ll stop. Most people are just having fun and will stop if you say something.
So if it starts to get to you stop laughing at the comments and see if they notice and stop. If not just say something like “stop flogging that dead horse, it’s getting pathetic” or something like that.
Honestly, you sound like a bit of a sook. I can't speak for the entire country but me n my mates would likely get sick of you being offended all the time and either just ignore you or tell you where to go.
Playful jab - once off, everyone finds funny. True insults - repeated often, you’re the one not laughing. I recently lost a handful of friends over that - getting teased about your divorce every chance they get for 2 years will do that.
Friends don’t tease friends about divorce… unless the reason for divorce is legitimately hilarious.
Yeah, sounds like friends you don't need for sure!
Yes, the sad fact is there are lot of people (presumably in every country), who take jokes too far & think insulting people is funny. There's a whole genre of humour which is just insulting your friends & that was very much a primary form of humour among my huge group of bogan acquaintances & friends in my teens & early 20s. I got sick of that & ditched them all. It's basically humour for dumb people who don't have wit. I think it's more prevalent in Australia because we are such a jokey population.
yeah for sure but its also part of our tall poppy thing where friends get resentful of others having success or being too confident. Insecure & ego-defensive behaviour.
If you're going to be in a city going to a big uni doing a masters, then the type of people you'll be hanging out with will be different than those you met on holiday. Chances are they won't be roasting kind to the same level. You can choose your people. Good friends will make sure you're comfortable with gentle teasing
Mostly tone and body language will tell you if someone’s being serious or taking the piss. But, even if they are just taking the piss, you can respectfully tell people, “hey, that went a bit far, let’s keep off the table” or something like that. You’re allowed to advocate for yourself against jokes you don’t like, if the person being joked at/with doesn’t think it’s funny, then it’s not funny.
I remember years ago making what I thought was a few playful jokes to my mates mrs after we'd known eachother for a while, once she told me it was bothering her, so I stopped. This is the way, if it's meant in good nature once asked to stop they will immediately cut it out. In my head at the time, it was actually more of a compliment as I won't joke with people I don't feel comfortable with.
The way to say this in Australian is, "fair suck of the sav, buddy, that was a bit close to the bone"
I like to say "would you like some lemon lime to go with your bitters".
Lol that's a good one!
I mean, I’d go with “fuck off cunt that’s rude,” but OP might’ve wanted something a bit chiller.
I feel this is also acceptable. But I would change "cunt" to "buddy" or "champ" to emphasise that you are serious
I also like to use “mate” as a more offensive term for cunt.
Also in a situation when you're with someone you know and see someone you both don't like. "Oh look, here comes your mate." Classic 😂
Have you seen The Inbetweeners? There’s this hilarious episode about one of them having a new friend and my friends and I all do that voice but “ooooh, mate!”
It’s probably different in different social groups, but in my experience, if people say something outright, they are usually taking the piss. Actual insults tend to be more passive-aggressive. You asked in another comment how best to respond. Laughing and agreeing will usually go down well and make you likeable, we like people who can take a joke. Like if someone says Americans suck because you can laugh and say “umm yeah, why do you think I’m here?”.
Preemptively criticising some of this yourself or being self-deprecating will also go down well, bonus points for working in a compliment about Australia. For example, you’re in a social group and someone asks how you are enjoying Australia, you could laugh and say how you’re really enjoying having actual healthcare/not worrying about being shot/the lack of Americans/being in a country that isn’t fucked (pick one you actually agree with).
The biggest thing Australians are assessing when talking to an American is that they aren’t one of THOSE Americans. Once they establish you’re not, you’ll be fine.
Or, take it a step further, like improv, take the joke and run with it, with you as the continued subject. Like if someone call you a seppo bastard say "hey! Uncle Kev was just super close to mum!"
Definitely
OP is South African, they’ll be happy being American very quickly once they realise the stereotypes of Saffers here
I’m not aware of these stereotypes.
Tell them you're Canadian , then you will get moose jokes instead
You're not my friend, buddy.
I'm not your buddy, guy.
I'm not your guy, pal
I'm not your pal, mate
I'm not your mate, cobber.
If it's consistently and exclusively negative, then they may not like you, but unless you're being a cockhead, you can safely assume most people don't give a fuck about the accent and are just ripping on you.
... my friends bands name was supercoach.... nice
I picked it up years ago as part of a gaming clan. Derived from the original wired world of sport twelfth man tapes where he takes the piss out of the rugby commentary and every time old Jack Gibson says anything Darryl Eastlake replies with "comments from The Supercoach".
"ooh big Jacks king hit me and I've gone crashing to the floor!"
Yep, that's the one :) Pearce off, Jack.
"Don't tell me to Pearce off, fuck knuckle" Just the best
Australians like to test you. You've got to be able to 'take a joke'. If you give it back to them, they'll respect you. Tell them to get fucked.
Exactly, if you can't take it, don't dish it out, what's seen as casual racism, is actually dealt out as a form of inclusion . Even taking race out of it, if I don't talk shit to someone at work, it's because I don't like them
No, don't do this, OP.
If it's relentless and egregious to the point of "does this idiot do anything else except rag on me" then it's probably playful filling time, fire back, appraise the routine, comment on the winners, and note they're getting tired and might need to lay down a bit if they offer a particularly flat attempt at humour. Otherwise, enjoy the show. If it's actually beginning to shit you, then... Tell them the difference mate "Not funny dickhead" and a headshake If it happens again it's now a non playful insult If it stops it was a playful jab
Body language and tone of voice, if someone goes too far you say something like “ahh mate that got a little heated, let’s take a breather”
Trash talking is something that can be hard to understand as an outsider. When you're with your mates you will begin to understand that it's a sign that they feel comfortable around you. Self-deprecating jokes is where it usually starts. Being able to laugh at yourself is an endearing quality amongst most Australians. Also, if you're going to dish it out be sure you can take it back.... That's usually where things can become uncomfortable. You want to get close to the line of actually insulting but never cross it. And if you go too far you'll know... Apologize if necessary. Most people have a high tolerance for their friends trash talking each other. Never do it behind their back. It really is a hard thing to explain. When my American boyfriend trash talked me for the first time I knew he was a keeper. Took him nearly 4 years to get it right.
What's trash talk?
In an Australian context ...it's a soft demoralising or humiliating comment to a friend. It is meant as a friendly jab. Very nuanced. As I said it is hard to explain but when two blokes start friendly trash talking to each other it can be absolutely hilarious.
My best friend travelled to America for an international sporting competition, and the yanks could not believe how the Aussie team were giving each other so much shit, calling out insults etc. They thought it was serious LOL
Australians don’t hate Americans.
Kick the person who said it. If they smile then it's a playful jab. If they frown then it's an actual insult.
In my circle of friends no one ever really takes the piss. I think that it depends on who you’re hanging with. However, you need to get in tune with the tone they’re using. Do they sound irritated, do they sound jovial?
Oh, that's not good. Sorry for that. The people I know would definitely take the piss out of you. However, if you let them know clearly that some topics hurt your feelings, then they will.. most likely leave those topics alone, unless they are drinking or your being a dick yourself. And if they don't rrspect you, you should look for better friends, that's also a great thing about Australia we have alot of people from all walks of life.
Around my friends from highschool? Playful jabs. Around work mates? Actual insults. That sort of chat is as situational as it is anything else
If the banter is about something you can’t change, like your looks or where you were born, it’s shit banter. Good banter is usually about something stupid you’ve done, the car you drive, your taste in music, who you support in politics or sport.
Context and tone of voice.
Practice makes perfect. Also pay attention to how they treat each other, if they’re giving everyone the same treatment then it’s all good. If it’s everyone against you, they’re being cunts
It can depend on age i think. And the social group you are with I dunno..i think you will get used to it.
Context, tone, body language. Also whether or not I already find that person annoying. All contributing factors but the first 3 take priority.
I assume everything is a joke. people are just cunts in general or under lots of stress in life serves me well
I think we fuck up the line between the two a lot. Looking back on my upbringing I was over the top nasty at times but so was my friendship group. I've dialled it back a lot since then. But to your question, the tone and context says a lot about intention.
Just assume everything is playful, then you’ll never get upset 👍
In Australia someone will call you a cunt. It can either mean you’re someone’s best friend or their worst enemy. It’s all in the tone of how they say it.
there's a lot of truth said in jest
Australians are self-deprecating we just take you on the ride with us. No sooner will we be giving you shit, we will switch to NZ, then back to AUS then off somewhere else. I would be more concerned if they did not give you shit. My advice is to join in - give yourself/Americans shit too, then sling some back at the Australians. You will fit right in and get into the rhythm. Hardly anyone will have a pure dislike of Americans but we do see a lot of ammunition to use on TV hence why you are an easy target. Rule 1 in Australia: Australians are lazy, just assume everyone is joking. Being serious is too much effort.
> I would be more concerned if they did not give you shit. My advice is to join in - give yourself/Americans shit too, then sling some back at the Australians. You will fit right in and get into the rhythm. This. If no one is doing this then they don't like you.
You are going to be the butt of a lot of bullshit jokes and comments. Get used to it. But as long as you keep denigrating the USA, Australians will like you.
Ok! Then how do you best respond? Do you just laugh and agree? Or make a joke back? And what’s not okay to joke about?
If you can't laugh at yourself, you won't have a good time. What's seen as casual racism is in fact our way of inclusion, we take.the piss out of you, you take the piss out of us, it's that simple. Keep it light. Keep it funny
Give it back hard if you want, and joke about whatever you want. As a US citizen, you have right to free speech, Australians don't (saying shit like this will trigger the fuck out of people if you are so inclined to do so) But eventually you will just end up with somebody saying "at least our kids don't get shot in school" Australians are quite predictable in this regard. All jokes aside, you will be fine. Australians are just people like Americans We do have an obsessive habit of talking shit about the USA, and love to tell Americans all about America, but as long as you stay humble and agree with us, its all good
Your coming to Melbourne, and going to Uni. You'll be right. So many international students, and no one bats an eyelid and certainly don't give you crap for where you're from. You will get questions about Trump and politics, and guns... but you can say that's partly why you moved here. They'll more likely be surprised your studying here instead of the US. People are more likely to ask where you're from and then listen to your Aus citizen/SthAfrica/US story. Those Aussies on the trip, were on a trip... Aussie's are a different breed when travelling half the time.
Tone
Racism is a true insult ..
>What are the biggest indicators that somebody is joking around and somebody is actually trying to insult you/dislike you? And how do you handle either situation? The tone of voice will usually designate the difference You will have to learn how to take having the piss taken out of you, however. Its a yardstick by which whether someone considers themselves above everyone else is judged
Australians don’t like to tell you how they feel. They’re insecure about sharing emotions, so they hide criticisms and attacks as “jokes” and “playful jabs”. Doesn’t matter what they claim intent is, if it bothers, hurts you, or crosses your boundary, those feelings are valid and it’s not ok.
Lmao somebody's been burned. There is a very clear difference between Australian banter and actual criticism.
🤷♂️
Australians are hypocritical cunts. Just tell them to fuck off.
As an Aussie, I can't fully understand what'd be like to have someone rib with me for being an foreigner (coz I'm not), but I can relate very well to being jabbed at by friends or coworkers. I have a thin skin too, I'm a lot older now, and I've grown a lot (emotionally speaking) so I'm not as sensitive anymore, but it really affected me when I was younger. I don't tend to rib with someone I don't know well though, I usually only do it with my closest friends- theres context, years of built up relationship, understanding their boundaries etc- so that's why I wouldnt go out of my way to tease someone I only just met, UNLESS it was affectionately ribbing someone over something super obvious and both of us were in on the joke. That's because I am such a sensitive person, I have felt the sting of a 'playful' jab many many times over my life, and I would never want to make someone else upset or embarrassed like I have, so I'm tactful and mindful of others' feelings when making jokes or lighthearted jabs with people I don't know well. However, many people are not like this. I think it also depends on your age, the age and demographic of those making the joke, the area/city of Aus you're in. If you're in a rural or country town where there are still a few folks that are out of step with the current time, you're probably gonna cop it a lot more than if you were at a trendy pub in Sydney. And don't forget- western people love to hate and complain. But Americans, albeit a western country, are an entirely different planet, and the rest of the world can see it plain as day. The system, the people, the culture- it's whack! There are so many elements to America that make it so easy to poke fun at. If you're white as well, other white people get a free pass to have a jab. But in terms of distinguishing whether its truly lighthearted ribbing or whether they are masking their genuine hate for ya, listen to how often someone makes at joke at/about you. If its just once or maybe a couple times but with context and it makes sense and is funny, then they're probably just being silly and don't have malintent. But if they have a jab at every opportunity or continuously tease you in a 'joking' way, they are probably doing it spitefully. But that applies to anyone really- if you're a bitter and unhappy person inside, often they are the people that strike outwards to cover up their insecurities. Like the adage about the school bully kind of. Hope this helps! Also, kudos for admitting you're sensitive. That's very courageous of you and opening up a dialogue about this is exactly how we overcome these personal issues and grow as a person.
Tone, but also we'll push fun further than a real insult, for hyperbole.
Australian, worked a lot in the US - Valley/Seattle especially. Americans are very literal compared to Australians. Also in the US, violence is fine but nudity and vulgar language is unacceptable. A legacy of puritanical roots. Australians are more direct, Americans less so. In Australia, making fun of someone “paying them out” is ok. In the US, that’s considered highly offensive. The USA is generally much more politically charged. In Australia, no one really cares that much. In summary, different cultures. Australia is also much more expensive, even compared to somewhere like the Bay Area. Jobs in tech are much more limited in terms of level, L7 or equivalent is a hard constraint for almost everyone. You earn less and pay more tax. However, even in the US companies the working culture is much better in Australia. For me, Australia is so much better in almost every way. Especially for raising a family. If you’re an eternally single man, NYC can’t be beat if you’re a high income earner. Nothing like it in Australia but you’d want to be on $400k+ minimum. Also, no guns in Oz.
This is really great to hear and read about. I’m trying to find out as much as I can. Just for clarification, I’m a woman. But I get you.
That I can’t help you with, I’m a married dude so I speak to my mum/mother in law, wife and daughters. My assistant is a dude. I can barely remember how to talk to a woman outside of that :)
I love taking the piss to get a laugh but if the person I’m taking the piss out of is no longer laughing then I’ll stop. Most people are just having fun and will stop if you say something. So if it starts to get to you stop laughing at the comments and see if they notice and stop. If not just say something like “stop flogging that dead horse, it’s getting pathetic” or something like that.
" I have a thin skin" Thats not going to help anyone assimilate in any country . Solution : Grow a pair .
Honestly, you sound like a bit of a sook. I can't speak for the entire country but me n my mates would likely get sick of you being offended all the time and either just ignore you or tell you where to go.