The joke’s on Australia, as Obama “goes local”
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (R) shares a light moment with US President Barack Obama before a parliamentary dinner in Canberra on November 16, 2011. Obama said economic powerhouse China must ‘rethink’ its attitude to trade if it wants to be part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. AFP PHOTO / POOL (Photo credit should read ALAN PORRITT/AFP/Getty Images)
Obama tried to speak a little Aussie English during a visit to Canberra on Wednesday night with some choice phrases from Down Under.
(GlobalPost reports: Obama tries to speak Aussie English: Hit or miss?)
Obama's efforts were reportedly well-received.
"Not since Crocodile Dundee stormed American pop culture in the 1980s have we been treated to so many Australian catchphrases – and Obama got some good laughs out of it," ABC News blogged.
During a speech to dignitaries gathered in the Great Hall at Parliament House for an official dinner, he showed off his understanding of Australian slang as he underlined the special nature of the relationship between the two countries.
"When Julia and I meet, we listen to each other, we learn from each other. It's not just a lot of earbashing," he said.
"Through a century of progress and struggle we have stood together, in good times and in bad times. We've faced our share of sticky wickets."