> Of course, the use of the word “mate” is ubiquitous in Australia, and has slowly lost its old, comradely meaning. Not seldom now it can have a hostile ring, as in “Whadaya think you’re doin’, mate?”

'Mate' now usually either implies condescension or social distance (or cultural cringe), at least in the south eastern states. International stereotypes of Australian language are yet to catch up.