American Influence
Australian teenagers copied music, fashion and films from this country during the 1950s.
What is the United States of America?
This American singer became known as the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll.”
Who is Elvis Presley?
This circular plastic toy became an international craze in 1958.
What is the hula hoop?
Before television became common, Australian families gathered around this device for news and entertainment.
What is the radio?
This Australian slang word meant a friend or companion
companion.What is “cobber”?
This American music style, performed by stars such as Elvis Presley and Bill Haley, became popular in Australia.
What is rock ’n’ roll?
Elvis Presley shocked many adults in the 1950s because of this feature of his performances.
What were his suggestive hip movements and energetic dancing?
Male teenagers influenced by American films began wearing these sturdy blue pants.
What are jeans?
These three letters identify Australia’s national public broadcaster.
What is the ABC?
This word was commonly used to refer to a woman or girl.
What is a “sheila”?
American servicemen stationed in Australia during this major conflict introduced Australians to new music, food, fashion and slang.
What is the Second World War?
These young men were stereotyped as rebellious troublemakers who wore tight trousers, leather jackets and greased hairstyles.
Who were Bodgies?
This American actor influenced young Australian men through his rebellious image, white T-shirt and leather jacket.
Who is James Dean?
This popular American family comedy featured Lucille Ball as its main star.
What is I Love Lucy?
This slang term describes an unfashionable or old-fashioned person.
What is a “square”?
Australian teenagers visited these American-style venues to drink milkshakes, listen to jukeboxes and socialise.
What are milk bars?
This was the name given to the female equivalent of the Bodgies, who often wore tight skirts and distinctive hairstyles.
Who were Widgies?
This blonde American actress became one of the most famous movie and fashion icons of the 1950s
Who is Marilyn Monroe?
This 1939 film starring Judy Garland featured the song Over the Rainbow.
What is The Wizard of Oz?
This famous Australian cricketer retired from Test cricket in 1948.
Who is Donald Bradman?
The growing influence of American culture contributed to a decline in Australia’s traditional cultural connection with this country.
What is Britain?
This Australian country singer recorded A Pub with No Beer.
Who is Slim Dusty?
This pointed style of women’s underwear became a popular fashion during the 1950s and created a cone-shaped silhouette under clothing.
What is the conical bra or bullet bra?
This 1955 Disney animated film tells the story of two dogs who share a plate of spaghetti.
What is Lady and the Tramp?
This expression means that something is genuine or true.
What is “fair dinkum”?