The Oxford English Dictionary is a guide to the meaning and history of about 800,000 words and compounds, both past and present.
Being included in the dictionary requires several examples of the word being used, along with evidence the word has reached a level where it is used with the expectation of being understood.
Some words, such as “robustious” -- a strongly assertive or boisterous manner -- and “brainsickly” -- sick in the mind, deranged, mentally disturbed -- date back to the age of classical literature.
Others, such as “gorpcore” -- a style of dress incorporating practical clothing for outdoor activities -- and “broflake” -- a man upset by progressive attitudes conflicting with his more conservative views -- are more recent.
Now, the Oxford English Dictionary is turning 90 years old, and it has launched a Words Where You Are campaign.
The dictionary is asking people around the world to share words and phrases unique to their countries, aiming to create snapshots of how they speak.
The director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre, Amanda Laugesen, says she wants to see as many Australianisms in the dictionary as possible.
“The Australian variety of English has a long history and is very colourful, and it's full of interesting things. (It) also reflects our historical development and things that have influenced Australian society and culture."
Examples of Australianisms set to be in the dictionary include “budgie smugglers” -- men's underwear or tight swimming trunks -- and “tall poppy syndrome” -- a tendency to discredit those who achieve prominence.
Some Australian words for items simply differ from those used elsewhere.
For example, most Australians call flip-flops “thongs,” while, in New Zealand, they are “jandals.”
Australia also has a range of regional terms subject to light-hearted debate over the better term.
Melburnians will typically call a deep-fried, battered potato a “potato cake,” while someone in Sydney might argue for “potato scallop.”
The Oxford English Dictionary says regional words are among the most inventive and evocative in language because they can create a sense of belonging or difference.
Ms Laugesen agrees.
“In terms of regionalisms, I mean, I think there's some fun ones. South Australia has their 'frogcakes' (a dessert in the shape of a frog's head) and 'pie floaters' (a meat pie in a bowl of green pea soup). In Tasmania, they have retained some British dialect terms like 'nointer' for a naughty child and 'yassler' for someone who's particularly loud and obnoxious. Yeah, I find it interesting, because it also reflects the history and culture of particular places in Australia."
Alfonso Elifonce was born in Mexico and moved to Australia in 2006.
He says he struggled with Australian slang when he arrived but he found embracing it hugely beneficial.
"I think it's important that foreigners get into learning the slang, the Australian slang, because it does kind of give you a bit of acceptance. People like it when you use the slang. It helps you adapt a little bit socially, to be honest."
He says one particular Australianism confused him when he first heard it, although he has since learned to love it -- a term which can suggest agreement or, on the contrary, disagreement.
"At the beginning, I was definitely a bit obsessed with 'yeah-nah.' I think 'yeah-nah' is my favourite, because ... it's a bit confusing still."
Marijana Buljan is the executive producer of SBS Radio's Croatian program.
It is her job to translate work produced by the English-speaking SBS News team into Croatian for her program's broadcast.
She says some Australianisms are so unique they are not only often difficult to understand but impossible to translate.
"Lots of phrases that politicians use ... I'm still struggling with how to translate 'fair dinkum.' That's our main challenge. Also, (the) Australian political system is slightly different to the Croatian one. It's very hard to explain what 'backbencher' is in the Croatian language, because all members of parliament there are equal."
Anyone wanting to share an Australianism with the Oxford English Dictionary can go online and use #wordswhereyouare. (the hashtag "words where you are")
