She’ll be ‘right mate; an expression I have come to love, and hate! I was so charmed by this expression when I first heard it said by my husband ten years ago. It defines the “Down Under” attitude precisely. People here are laid-back, relaxed, in no rush, they love life and are generally optimistic that things will turn out. Does this seem a bit too stereotypical? Anyway, “She’ll be ‘right” is a Kiwi’s response to virtually everything. For example;
Me: “I’ve got a cold and feel tired.”
Kiwi: “Ah, she’ll be ‘right by tomorrow mate.”
Me: “I broke my leg last year and it still hasn’t healed properly, the doctor told me today I’ll need to have it amputated before my whole body turns gangrene. Not only that but while I was at the hospital, my house burnt down with all our passports inside and our beloved pet fish. My kids are devastated and I’ll never walk again or own another house.”
Kiwi: Pats you on the back and says “She’ll be ‘right mate. How ’bout a beer?”
“She’ll be ‘right mate” seems to cover all the bases and is used in excess. It is the instant response no matter the gravity of the situation. It means the person on the other end a) doesn’t have to endure your whining and b) doesn’t have to think of a way to console you. NZ culture has already covered your ass! She’ll be ‘right mate!
Great Blog Chels!