Guernsey spelt with a capital ‘g’ is an island located in the English channel. In Australian English, however, a guernsey is a football jumper especially one worn in Australian Rules football. Australians have used it in this way since the 1860s.

In the 20th century another meaning of guernsey also came into use. The football phrase to get a guernsey or be given a guernsey, which means to be selected by a sporting team, came to mean ‘to win selection, recognition, approbation‘ (Australian National University).

Nowadays it is common to hear the expression to get a guernsey in non-sporting contexts. For example: “He was delighted to get a guernsey in a local production of ‘The Boy From Oz’.” This means that he was very happy to be given a role in the non-professional theatrical staging of this well-known Australian musical.

You can have regular lessons with Cathy. Check out the current prices (new students get 25% off), then get in touch to organise your free trial lesson.

Subscribe to the newsletter for news and special offers.

Glossary  

capital – a letter of the alphabet that is large in size and of the form used at the beginning of sentences and names

jumper – a piece of clothing with long sleeves that is usually made from wool, is worn on the upper part of the body and does not open at the front

Australian Rules – a sport played in Australia by two teams of 18 players who can run, kick or hit an oval ball. Scoring occurs when the ball is kicked between posts.

20th century – the period of time from 1901 to 2000

approbation – approval or agreement, often given by an official group