emu parade
LowFormal (ceremonial), Informal (slang)
Definition
Meaning
The orderly removal of the Australian Army's guard and sentries at the end of their duty period.
A military ceremony involving the formal parading of the old guard off duty. More broadly in Australian English (especially military slang), it can refer to any formal, slow-moving procession or a group of people walking slowly in a line.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originates specifically from Australian military tradition. The 'emu' in the name likely refers to the deliberate, slow, and somewhat bobbing gait of the emu bird, which is mimicked in the parade's pace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively Australian and may be completely unknown in both British and American English. No direct equivalent exists in either variety.
Connotations
In its original context, it connotes military tradition and discipline. In broader Australian slang, it can have a slightly humorous or mocking connotation, implying a slow, plodding group.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside Australia and specific military contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [unit] mounted an emu parade.The [ceremony] concluded with the emu parade.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As slow as an emu parade (Australian slang)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or military studies discussing Australian traditions.
Everyday
Rare, but may be used humorously in Australia to describe any slow-moving line of people.
Technical
Specific term within Australian Defence Force ceremonial drill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw the soldiers walking slowly. It was like an emu parade.
- The ceremony finished with the emu parade, where the guards marched off duty.
- In Australian military tradition, the 'emu parade' marks the formal handover of guard duties at a deliberately slow pace.
- Journalists noted the new recruits' initial drill resembled a disorganised emu parade, lacking the ceremony's intended solemnity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a line of soldiers walking as slowly and deliberately as a large, flightless emu bird. The bird's name is IN the phrase.
Conceptual Metaphor
CEREMONY IS A DELIBERATE ANIMAL GAIT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'emu' literally as 'эму' without explanation, as the cultural and military context will be lost.
- Avoid interpreting 'parade' as 'парад' in its festive, public sense; here it is a formal military procedure.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to a fast-moving procession.
- Applying it to non-ceremonial group movement without ironic intent.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'emu parade'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specifically Australian term, primarily within military contexts. It is largely unknown in other varieties of English.
In broader, informal Australian slang, it can be used humorously to describe any slow-moving procession of people, but this usage derives directly from the original military term.
It is named after the emu bird, which has a distinctive, slow, and bobbing walking gait. The parade mimics this deliberate pace.
Its primary purpose is the formal, ceremonial dismissal of the old guard from their posts, marking the end of their duty period.