The Australian Dictionary of Invisible Culture for Teachers
who you can do jocular abuse with
norm: when it is like this, it is good to do some things (see more)
Many people in Australia know that sometimes it can be like this:
Someone (e.g. Julia) says some bad things about someone else (e.g. Heidi) to Heidi for some time. Julia says this because she wants other people to laugh (i.e. people do jocular abuse).
When it is like this, it can be good if Julia knows Heidi very well. It can be good if Julia knows Heidi will feel something good because of this.
It can be bad if Julia does not know Heidi very well. It can be bad if Julia knows Heidi will feel something bad because of this. It can be bad if Julia doesn’t know if Heidi will feel something good because of this.
Note
Phrases which reflect this type of interaction are 'rubbishing' 'giving someone a hard time' 'putting shit on people' and 'chiacking'."Sam, Alex, and Val are having a conversation. Sam is teasing Alex about being clumsy. Sam knows Alex very well. Sam doesn't know Val well, so Sam doesn't tease Val. Val and Alex are very good friends, so Val also teases Alex about being clumsy. Everyone is laughing."
"Cedric is Mitchell's brother. Mitchell is saying bad things about Cedric, like 'Cedric is the worst snorer I have ever heard. He sounds like a freight train'. Cedric and Mitchell know that Mitchell doesn't think these bad things. Other people know that Mitchell doesn't think these bad things."
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