UK expat makes NZ, Australian slang blunder after asking workers for a ‘root’

An English expat living in Brisbane has revealed an embarrassing blunder over a simple piece of Kiwi and Australian slang that led to a hilarious exchange.

Kiwis and Aussies have a unique and at times dirty array of slang words we use every day.

Our slang often confuses tourists which can lead to some quirky exchanges.

But for one UK expat living in Australia, a use of slang led to a rather awkward and embarrassing exchange.

English tradie ‘Cloughy’ took to social media to reveal his girlfriend’s father had a “simple misunderstanding” during an exchange that led to some weird looks and unintentional comedy.

“I didn’t think when coming to Australia, being English, there would be words and stuff that you can get mixed up,” Cloughy explained to viewers.

Cloughy and his girlfriend’s father were taking a load to the rubbish dump in Brisbane.

But things took a comedic turn when his girlfriend’s dad asked the workers “if it’s alright if we go for a quick root over there”.

Cloughy explained: “The guy was like nah, and looked back at his work colleague a bit weird.”

An English expat living in Brisbane has revealed an embarrassing blunder over a simple piece of Kiwi and Australian slang that led to a hilarious exchange.

Still unsure of the unfortunate slip up, the father doubled down and asked the workers again “come on mate, can we just have a quick root there, just that pile there”.

The worker, who remained confused and suspicious then replied: “Nah mate, there’s cameras. You can’t.”

For a week the two expats were confused before they learned that the term “root” is New Zealand and Australian slang for having sex.

Cloughy explained to Aussie and Kiwi viewers that in the UK the term root means “to have a look around”.

But their embarrassing slang blunder didn’t end there.

Cloughy said they went back a week later for another trip to the rubbish dump and the workers recognised the pair and asked him what he was there for this time.

“Anyway, we found out root means shag. And it doesn’t just mean shag, apparently. The lads at work have said it’s like an aggressive f***.”

Cloughy said despite living in Australia it was the first time he's had a blunder involving misunderstandings involving slang words.

They then asked the workers for a look around instead of a root.

Cloughy laughed: “They think I am his little toy boy.”

Viewers weighed in on the blunder with many poking fun at the unfortunate incident.

“Hahaha I’m an Aussie and it took till the end of the video for me to understand what you were actually asking to do,” one wrote.

Another added: “I like that the guys' main issue with it was that you’d be caught on camera.”

“My British uncle once asked an Aussie real estate agent if they could have a root upstairs,” a third said.