An Australian expression that almost everyone says every day baffles international visitors.
American musician K.Flay said she was confused when Australians kept saying “don’t worry” during her Down Under tour in February.
In a radio interview with Triple J, she said the phrase had “thrown her off”, leading her to believe she was insulting Australians who used the phrase.
‘We say: don’t worry, but it is in a different context. “Don’t worry” is like when you ask someone for a favor and that person says, “Oh, don’t worry,” she explained.
‘You don’t use worry, when in fact nothing was asked and I don’t think I was worried about it. You’re assuming the worries.”
American musician K.Flay (pictured) revealed she was baffled by the way Australians say ‘No Worries’ when she was on tour in February
The singer said someone at the radio station offered her a glass of water and when she accepted, they dropped the usual saying.
“You acted like I wasn’t worried, you offered me water. You just did something nice and offered me: why don’t you tell me any worries?’ said radio host Concetta Caristo.
K.Flay said when she first visited Australia she thought she had offended people who used the term.
“That threw me off, that’s a very Australian thing and really only in Australia,” she said.
The artist’s confusion divided listeners, with many Australians further explaining the context behind the saying.
‘No, it’s the other way around. The person who says “don’t worry” isn’t concerned about your request. We chill,” one woman said, and another woman agreed: “This is how I use it.”
‘We mean that it is no problem for us to give you something, and we are not saying that you should not worry. Does that make any sense?’ asked a third.
‘Yes! I’ve thought about it and understand what she’s saying. For example, isn’t it obvious that it’s not a concern in the first place, since we offered to say so?’ added a fourth.
Others shared more phrases from Australia and around the world that they had to get used to.
“Wait until someone says ‘No dramas,’” someone laughed.
“It’s like when the British ask, ‘Are you okay?’ how are you? but it sounds like they’re assuming we’re not doing well,” said another.
“Did this feel like, ‘Okay?’ I’d get so defensive…Yes, I’m fine, thank you!’ a third replied.