George Zivkovic of Northmead discusses the various demonyms in England, such as Cockney and Scouser, and wonders about similar terms in Australia like Sandgroper and Banana Bender. Granny mentions Canberran, Round Abouter, and the curious Ken Behren, but the best example comes from David Astle: Thredbogan. This discussion highlights the unique terms used to describe natives or inhabitants of specific areas.
Helen Gee of Heathmont shares a story about her 93-year-old mother-in-law showcasing her mental arithmetic skills during a visit from a social worker. The former primary school teacher attributes her ability to good teaching in primary school, where mental arithmetic was practiced regularly. Similarly, Garry Thomas of Oatlands recounts a humorous incident at Kmart where he assisted a young lady with a math problem during a power outage, emphasizing the importance of learning basic skills in school.
John Perry of Newtown provides a solution for labeling future generations, suggesting that Greg King’s method could cover the next 9750 years based on a generation being nominally 15 years. Anne Cook of Ermington agrees that the generation following Gen Z could be labeled AA, but wonders if their offspring would be Triple A. Carolyn Darell of Bayview suggests A² as a cooler option for the next generation, sparking a playful discussion about possible labels for future generations.
The conversation shifts to parenting and teaching life skills, with Ann Clydsdale of Bathurst sharing a humorous anecdote about asking her engineer son for help installing a dashcam before he could start rolling his eyes. She reminds him of the simple tasks she taught him, like using cutlery and tying shoelaces, highlighting the reciprocal nature of learning and passing on knowledge. These stories underscore the importance of practical skills and education in everyday life.
The diverse anecdotes shared in Column8@smh.com.au reflect a range of experiences and perspectives, from discussing cultural terms to showcasing mental arithmetic skills and exploring generational labels. These lighthearted and engaging stories provide a glimpse into the daily interactions and humorous moments that occur in different contexts, highlighting the value of shared experiences and connections through storytelling. The community members who contribute to these discussions offer insight, humor, and personal reflections that enrich the conversation and create a sense of community and connection among readers.
