G’day mates! Ever wondered about that famous Aussie saying “shrimp on the barbie”? As a food blogger who’s spent years researching culinary traditions, I’m gonna break down this iconic phrase that’s got quite an interesting story behind it
The Real Story Behind “Shrimp on the Barbie”
Let me tell ya – this famous phrase isn’t actually what true-blue Aussies say! It came from a clever marketing campaign back in 1984 when the Australian Tourism Commission wanted to attract American tourists. They got Paul Hogan (yep the Crocodile Dundee guy!) to star in these TV commercials that ran until 1990.
The actual line Hoges said was “I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you” Pretty catchy, right?
Why “Shrimp” Instead of “Prawn”?
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind – Australians don’t even say “shrimp”! They call ’em “prawns”. The ad folks deliberately changed it to “shrimp” because:
- Americans were more familiar with the word “shrimp”
- They wanted to avoid confusing US viewers
- It just sounded better for the American market
The Impact of This Famous Phrase
The campaign was crazy successful! Check out these mind-blowing results:
- Before the ads: Australia ranked #78 on Americans’ vacation wishlist
- Three months after: Jumped to #7
- Eventually: Reached #1 or #2 for most of the next 20 years!
Pop Culture Impact
The phrase went viral before viral was even a thing! You’ll find references to it in:
- The Simpsons
- Home Improvement
- Batman Forever
- Family Guy
- And tons more shows and movies!
Do Australians Actually Say This?
LOL, nope! Here’s the funny thing – most Aussies kinda cringe when they hear it. Why?
- They use “prawn” not “shrimp”
- It’s seen as a touristy stereotype
- It feels inauthentic to their actual culture
The BBQ Culture in Australia
Even though the phrase isn’t authentic, the BBQ (or “barbie”) culture in Australia is 100% real! Here’s what makes it special:
- Year-round outdoor cooking thanks to great weather
- Casual, laid-back vibes
- Perfect for social gatherings
- Fresh seafood is a huge part of the culture
Modern Takes on the Slogan
The phrase just won’t die! There’ve been attempts to revive it:
- 2016: Northern Territory tried using it in US ads
- 2018: Almost got Chris Hemsworth to star in a remake
- Both attempts got shot down ’cause Aussies were like “Nah, mate!”
My Final Thoughts
As someone who’s passionate about food culture, I gotta say – while “shrimp on the barbie” might not be authentically Australian, it’s definitely achieved legendary status in pop culture. It’s like one of those weird things that just stuck, ya know?
Quick Tips When Visiting Australia
If you’re heading Down Under, remember:
- Say “prawn” not “shrimp”
- Don’t quote the phrase (unless you want eye-rolls)
- Do enjoy their amazing BBQ culture!
The whole “shrimp on the barbie” thing might be a bit cringe for Aussies, but it’s defo helped put Australian tourism on the map. And hey, at least it got people talking about their awesome BBQ culture!
Remember mates, whether you’re throwing prawns or shrimp on your barbie, the most important thing is enjoying good food with good company!
What’s your take on this famous phrase? Ever used it yourself? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories!
Steps to Make It
- Gather the ingredients.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Mince the fresh parsley, thyme, cilantro, and shallots. Crush the garlic cloves.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Combine the melted butter, olive oil, parsley, thyme, cilantro, lemon juice, cloves, shallots, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Mix in the shrimp. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Discard the marinade after the 30 minutes, as it will not be safe to reuse due to contact with the raw shrimp.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Prepare the barbecue with medium-hot coals.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Thread the shrimp on narrow skewers. Grill until just opaque (or pink in color and firm to touch), about 2 minutes per side.
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The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck - Line a platter with fresh spinach leaves. Arrange the skewers on the platter. Garnish with lemon.
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck - Serve and enjoy!
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The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck
- Do not marinate longer than 15 to 30 minutes, as the shrimp will become mushy.
(MOJO Classics) Paul Hogan “Shrimp On The Barbie” Australian Tourism Ad (1984)
FAQ
What does shrimp on the barbie mean?
“Barbie” is Australian slang for BBQ and the phrase “slip a shrimp on the barbie” often evokes images of a fun social gathering under the sun. Australians, however, invariably use the word prawn rather than shrimp.
What does it mean to put shrimp on the barbie?
What does shrimp on the barbie mean? “Barbie” is Australian slang for barbecue, so this phrase simply means shrimp on the barbecue.
What is the barbie in shrimp on the barbie?
As for the term “barbie,” it is authentic Australian slang for BBQ. The Shrimp on the Barbie is a 1990 movie that starred Cheech Marin and capitalized on the popularity of the phrase. Even greater notoriety may have come through Jim Carrey’s Dumb and Dumber character, Lloyd Christmas.
What is grilled shrimp on the Barbie at Outback?
Outback Steakhouse Menu – Grilled Shrimp On The Barbie. A generous portion of shrimp seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices then flame grilled. Served with a classic rémoulade sauce and your choice of two freshly made sides.