In the cutthroat arena of Australian politics, displaying any sign of weakness invites quick and harsh judgement, with insults like 'sook' becoming common retorts in heated debates.
Linguistics professor Kate Burridge explains that Australian culture has a strong aversion to whingers, individuals who fail to maintain a cheerful demeanor in challenging times, leading to derogatory terms like 'sook'.
The term 'sook' emerged in Australia and New Zealand in the early 20th century, likely derived from various English and Scottish synonyms, implying foolishness or a lack of resilience.
Both sides of the parliament have utilized 'sook' to criticize opponents, illustrating how the insult reflects broader societal attitudes towards vulnerability and stoicism.
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