Expat’s Reaction to Classic Aussie Phrase: ‘What Do You Mean?’

You never really notice how strange some Australian sayings can be until someone unfamiliar hears them. Take “first in, best dressed.” When Maura Sheahan, a young American from Colorado, first heard this phrase while trying to book a restaurant, she was baffled. She thought it meant the staff would judge her outfit before seating her.

In her TikTok video, she shared her confusion. When the restaurant informed her they didn’t take reservations and operated on a “first in, best dressed” policy, she assumed appearances mattered. Imagine her surprise when her new Australian colleagues clarified that it simply means “first come, first served.”

Maura shared her experience with a laugh. If she hadn’t talked to her coworkers, she would have come prepared, trying to put her best foot forward in hopes of getting a good table. “I thought they would silently judge us based on what we wore,” she said.

This isn’t just a personal story. Language can often create misunderstandings, especially in different cultures. Similar instances happen frequently; many people who move to other countries experience some level of culture shock.

Research shows that about 1 in 4 Americans reported feeling confused by local dialects during visits abroad, according to a survey by the Language Exchange Network. Other phrases can be equally perplexing, echoing Maura’s sentiment that Aussie-isms feel “unnatural.”

Aussies chimed in on social media, sharing their own confusing experiences. Some laughed, recalling that in Australia, merely having shoes on is enough to be accepted in many casual settings. One comment playfully suggested that informal dress codes might warrant certain tables in restaurants.

Cultural quirks like these reveal how language evolves and reflects local lifestyles. As globalization increases, the fun—and sometimes awkward—misunderstandings will continue to bridge gaps between cultures.

Maura embraced her experience, and her story brought laughter and connection among many. It’s a reminder that language isn’t just about words; it’s also about the people behind them and the moments we share.



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