Australian slang could be studied at a doctoral level and still you’d be finding new phrases. It’s a social leveler unknown in America. George Bush tried to speak like a common man - most days he came across as inarticulate. Here in Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd peppers his comments with common man language. Yet as an erudite man it comes across as studied and slightly false.

“Fair shake of the sauce bottle, mate,” said Rudd yesterday when defending postings in a Ministerial shake-up. Critics say not enough women got postings. Kevin defends the roles and winners by comparing it to a barbecue sauce bottle.

“If you were to compare what this Government has done in terms of promotion of women of talent and ability compared with our predecessors, it’s chalk and cheese,” he continued. Once again the colloquial language comes out.

For communicators this is done in an effort to boost understanding and retention - right away every listener gets a mental image that is emblazoned in their mind.

How does Rudd’s Government compare to Howard’s? Chalk and cheese.