Alright, mate?

I just spotted this article on BBC

Its about the etiquette of using “mate” as a greeting. Apparently, an Australian civil servant complained when a guard used “mate” to address them, instead of “sir/madam”. Much to the consternation of John Howard and his cronies who counter; "It's part of the Australian vernacular. It's a term of endearment and of mateship.”.

This struck a chord with me, as together with “cheers” it’s a term that often confuses Americans when I say it.

So here’s a brief users guide….

1. It’s a great way to say hello:

“Alright, mate.”

2. To emphasize surprise:

“Mate! You’ll never believe…”

3. Or just express mateship:

“Mate”.

Not to be confused with “mate”, the South American tea favoured by Gauchos, or “mate”, the act of copulation leading to children.