The recent query in Column 8 regarding the term “fly cemetery” for fruit biscuits or slices has sparked a lively debate amongst readers, revealing a fascinating cross-cultural and generational divide in culinary nomenclature. While the initial inquiry focused on Australian usage, the discussion has expanded to encompass the UK, South Africa, and even family-specific terms. The consensus among Australian respondents, so far, leans heavily towards “squashed fly” or “squashed fly bikkies” as the preferred childhood designation for these fruit-laden treats. This shorter, more evocative term seems to resonate with a nostalgic fondness, painting a vivid picture of the biscuit’s appearance.
The contrasting term, “fly cemetery,” while reported by one reader with a Melbourne mother, is more widely recognized by those with UK or South African backgrounds. This longer, more descriptive phrase perhaps suggests a slightly different cultural perspective on the biscuit, emphasizing the multitude of dried fruit pieces rather than just the overall squashed appearance. The debate highlights how seemingly simple food names can carry cultural baggage and evoke distinct childhood memories. The South African contributor further enriched the conversation by mentioning other beloved treats like koeksisters, sosaties, bobotie, frikkadels, and mielie pap, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a different culinary landscape.
Beyond the central “fly” debate, the discussion has also touched upon related food-naming practices. One reader recalled their grandfather’s whimsical term for savory mince on toast – “train smash,” likely inspired by the addition of tomato sauce, creating a visual resemblance to a culinary derailment. This anecdotal evidence underscores the playful and often highly personalized nature of family food nicknames. It demonstrates how shared meals can become a canvas for creative language, forging unique bonds and inside jokes within families. The “train smash” example highlights how food names can be more than just labels; they can become stories, capturing family history and humor in a single phrase.
The conversation also took an unexpected detour into the realm of childhood food aversions. One reader shared a humorous anecdote about refusing to eat passion fruit due to a sibling’s mischievous claim that they contained dead flies. The connection to “fly cemeteries” is amusingly apt, illustrating how childhood misconceptions and sibling pranks can shape our culinary preferences, sometimes for years to come. This anecdote underscores the powerful influence of family dynamics and storytelling on our relationship with food. It serves as a lighthearted reminder of how seemingly trivial childhood experiences can have lasting impacts on our tastes and habits.
Shifting gears entirely from food-related terminology, another reader contributed a rather gleeful observation from the Melbourne tennis scene. Their “unofficial survey” revealed a purportedly high failure rate among players who wear their caps backward. This seemingly random observation, injected with a touch of playful judgment, adds a dash of humor to the column. It also exemplifies the diverse range of topics that can find their way into Column 8, reflecting the multifaceted interests and observations of its readership. The tennis cap observation, while lacking any scientific rigor, nonetheless provides a moment of light entertainment and perhaps even a spark of recognition for fellow tennis enthusiasts.
Finally, the column concludes with a historical note about the final Morse code message sent from the Sydney GPO in 1962. This piece of information, contributed by a reader, provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of communication. It serves as a poignant reminder of how technology evolves, rendering once-essential skills and practices obsolete. The detail about the retiring traffic officer, Harry Winchester, adds a personal touch to this historical footnote, connecting a significant moment in communication history to an individual’s long career. This concluding piece of information elegantly rounds out the column, offering a blend of historical significance and human interest. It demonstrates how Column 8 can seamlessly transition between diverse topics, creating a tapestry of reader contributions that are at once informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking.
