This week’s common Aussie slang is probably most useful for people in Western Australia and, more specifically, those in Fremantle, which is the port of Perth. If you’re based in Fremantle or Perth (the capital of W.A.) you may have already heard about the Fremantle doctor. This curious-sounding slang expression has nothing to do with a medically-trained person, though.
The Australian National University (A.N.U.) describes the Fremantle doctor as “a cool sea breeze which brings relief on a hot summer’s day” and states that it has been recorded since the 1870s.
Fremantle is not the only place that has a ‘doctor’ and many coastal towns around Australia have their own version. Unfortunately, we don’t have a ‘Brisbane doctor’, which is a shame because we would really benefit from one during our hot and muggy summers.
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Glossary
specifically – clearly, exactly, or in detail
port – a town by the sea or by a river that has a harbour, or the harbour itself
base – the main place where a person lives and works
curious-sounding – strange and unusual
medically – in a way that is related to the treatment of illness and injuries
relief – a feeling of happiness that something unpleasant has not happened or has ended
coastal – positioned on, or relating to the coast
shame – If something is described as a shame, it is disappointing or not satisfactory.
benefit – to be helped by something or to help someone
muggy – humid
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