Seppoland?

[azwildcat96]

Calling me a Seppo may get you in Betty...

Betty = Betty Rubble (Flintstones) = Trouble

Seriously though, maybe I'm just getting too old, but why can't people just say what they mean, instead of sugar-coating it or trying to be clever?

[Macman]

As a Brit, I will confirm Lyle's interpretation.

Cockney rhyming slang can get really difficult when only the first word of the rhyme is used.
plates = plates of meat = feet.

When you get into a slang derivative of the rhyme like "seppo" it's really tricky

I don't think Seppo is meant to be really insulting. Just mildly.

I learn something new every day! Thanks, china!

[starbkjrus]

Apparently there are several related words, all of which are derivatives of "seppo" in the cockney tradition.

seppo =

Derogertory word used by the English and Australians for all American nationals. Derived from Rhyming slang (Septic Tank = Yank)
Will those stupid seppos ever shut up bragging about how much lemonade they can drink?

Cockney Ryming slang completely baffles me. Bill Bryson was my introduction to it and when explained it makes sense (er...sorta) but never shall I figure it out.

[macwilkin]

In Vietnam, members of the Australian forces referred to their American allies as "Septics", in reference to the previously mentioned "Septic Tank Yank". This is the term used by the main characters in the movie The Odd Angry Shot whenever Yanks make an appearance in the Task Force's encampment near Vung Tau.

T.

[sydnie7]

Cockney Ryming slang completely baffles me. Bill Bryson was my introduction to it and when explained it makes sense (er...sorta) but never shall I figure it out.

Went shopping with a British acquaintance who mentioned he needed a whistle. Made sense, as he worked with youth soccer. We walked into JCPenney and proceeded to look at suits. On the way out, we walked past a sporting goods display and I said "oh, didn't you want to pick up a whistle?" He laughed and explained "whistle & lute" = suit. . .

Then there's "have a butcher's" which means "have a look" from "butcher's hook." And IIRC apples = stairs, from apples & pears. It goes on and on and on.

[Jack Daw]

I learn something new every day! Thanks, china!

China plate = mate. It took me a while, but I figured out 'raspberry' on my own.

[fluter]

That's alright because I can drink more lemonade than any Aussie or Brit.

Are we talking about a fizzy lemon soda, or a still (Yank-style)?

[Lachlan09]

I reckon "aris" is a good example of Cockney convoluted slang for one's posterior !

No - it is not the obvious link that aris sounds like a manipulated mispronouncation of ar*e.

Rather, it derives from Aristotle.

The rhyming comes in 2 stages as 1) Aristotle = bottle; 2) bottle and glass = ar*e

Easy innit eh ?

Funny enough, some of the Cockney slang also became part of the Glasgow slang vocabulary. For example, who can forget the Glesga patter of those wide-boys, Francie and Josie, in their bum-freezer jaikets, drainpipes, Wyatt Earp ties and winklepickers with catch-phrases such as "Hello rerr China"

[The Barry]

Apparently there are several related words, all of which are derivatives of "seppo" in the cockney tradition.

seppo =

Derogertory word used by the English and Australians for all American nationals. Derived from Rhyming slang (Septic Tank = Yank)
Will those stupid seppos ever shut up bragging about how much lemonade they can drink?

***. This is my understanding of the usage and etymology of "seppo" and "seppoland"

[St. Amish]

I heard this one for the first time a few years ago watching a film called "Welcome to Woop Woop." Apparently it's used in Australia as well. Amazing film, by the way.