mate | The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers

The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers

mate

noun: a person of one kind (see more)

I think about this person (e.g. Alex) like this: Alex is someone like me. I do many things with Alex. I don't want bad things to happen to Alex as I don't want bad things to happen to me. I feel something good when I think about Alex.

Note

This is the context when speaking specifically about a person's mate. The context of 'Watch it, mate.' contains some of the same elements (e.g. 'I think: You are someone like me.'), although it also contains additional attitudes which are not captured here.

"I broke three ribs, but my fishing mate reckons I also broke the Olympic swimming record getting to shore."

"Mr Baume was a Liberal senator from NSW for many years and is an old political mate of the Prime Minister."

"He lost his best mate to brutalities on the Burma Railway."

mateship value of friends friend acquaintance colleagues you don't abandon a mate loyalty using swear/curse words in high solidarity situations

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