Paul Hogan’s ‘Pelican’ Remark Sparks Debate Over Australian Slang and Multiculturalism
Paul Hogan has reportedly called Pauline – The Australian political landscape has been grappling with fallout from a recent exchange involving one of the nation’s most iconic figures. Paul Hogan, the legendary actor best known for his role as Crocodile Dundee, reportedly used the term “pelican” to describe Pauline Hanson, the right-wing One Nation leader, during a conversation with the Australian Financial Review. The metaphor, though seemingly lighthearted, has ignited a discussion about the cultural and linguistic nuances of Australian slang, particularly its role in shaping public perception of political figures.
The Rhetorical Shift: From Monoculture to Pelican
Pauline Hanson’s advocacy for “Australian monoculture” has been a defining element of her political rhetoric. First introduced during her National Press Club address this month, the term aims to encapsulate a vision of a unified national identity rooted in traditional values. However, her Senate speech on Wednesday took an unexpected turn when she referenced Hogan, a cultural icon, as a symbol of this ideal. “Bring back Paul Hogan and Norman Gunston,” she said, “These are the essential features of Australian monoculture, and there’s nothing remotely exclusionary about them.” Her choice of metaphor, while evocative, has left some observers puzzled.
Paul Hogan, now 86, was tracked down by the AFR in Venice Beach, California, to comment on the remark. In a candid exchange, he reportedly responded with a metaphor of his own: “She’s a pelican, yeah,” he said, adding that Hanson “sounds very much like this stupid boofhead over here, Trump.” The use of “pelican” as an insult has quickly become a focal point, prompting questions about its meaning and implications in Australian vernacular. While the term has historical roots in English literature, its modern application in political discourse has taken on new significance.
Australian Slang and the Pelican’s Legacy
Australian slang has long been a tool for both humor and criticism, often drawing on the country’s native wildlife. Birds, in particular, have been a popular source of figurative language, with terms like “galah,” “bin chicken,” and “drongo” commonly used to describe individuals perceived as foolish or untrustworthy. The pelican, however, has emerged as a more recent addition to this lexicon, raising questions about its cultural acceptance and the context of its use.
Historically, the pelican has been associated with negative connotations. In Act III, Scene 4 of Shakespeare’s *King Lear*, the titular character refers to his power-hungry daughters as “pelican daughters,” implying they are selfish and ungrateful. The New Oxford Shakespeare notes that the term “pelican” in this context symbolizes a bird that “fed on its mother’s blood,” a metaphor for nurturing self-interest. This usage has carried over into modern Australian slang, where the pelican is often seen as a symbol of slow movement or clumsy behavior, traits that can be interpreted as mocking.
Yet, the pelican’s image is far more complex. BirdLife Australia describes it as a “highly mobile” creature that “works cooperatively in groups to drive fish into a concentrated mass” and can “soar to heights of up to 3,000m.” These attributes—adaptability, teamwork, and strength—stand in contrast to the insult’s more negative interpretation. This duality has led to debates about whether the term is a fair critique or an oversimplification of the bird’s character.
The Cultural Context of the Pelican Metaphor
Paul Hogan’s use of “pelican” in the context of Pauline Hanson’s political stance has reignited discussions about the role of Australian slang in shaping national identity. The actor, whose portrayal of the laid-back, Australian spirit in *Crocodile Dundee* has become synonymous with the country’s cultural image, has a history of contributing to the nation’s linguistic heritage. In the 1986 film, his character famously tells a New York driver, “Get on the right side of the road, ya pelican!”—a line that has since become a memorable part of the movie’s dialogue.
While the pelican’s use as an insult is not new, its recent revival in political commentary has brought it into the spotlight. Russell Crowe, another prominent Australian actor, reportedly faced similar scrutiny in 2014 when he tweeted that a Rabbitohs sponsor was a “pelican” after mistakenly supporting the opposing team, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. The executive later clarified the misunderstanding, and Crowe deleted the tweet. This incident underscores the ease with which slang can shift from a simple descriptor to a pointed critique, depending on the context.
Hogan’s remark, however, seems to carry a different weight. According to the AFR, he did not mean the term as a compliment, emphasizing that Hanson’s vision of monoculture is outdated. “She’s living in the past, obviously,” he said, challenging the idea that Australia’s identity can be reduced to a singular cultural framework. “How can [Australia] be a monoculture? We’re all migrants, except the Aboriginals, who as far as we know have been [in Australia] for 60,000 years.” His words highlight the nation’s multicultural reality, a point he reinforced by stating, “I want to die in Australia – in a multicultural Australia!”
This exchange has also sparked a reflection on the broader use of native wildlife in Australian political discourse. The pelican, once a symbol of maternal care in Shakespearean times, now serves as a metaphor for perceived folly. Its transformation from a noble creature to a slang term reflects the evolving cultural narratives and the power of language to shape public opinion. The term’s adoption in this context suggests a shift in how Australians perceive their own national identity, particularly in light of ongoing debates about multiculturalism.
From Slang to Symbol: The Pelican in Public Discourse
As the controversy surrounding Hanson’s “monoculture” concept continues, the pelican has become an unexpected symbol in the discussion. While the Australian National Dictionary does not list a specific entry for “pelican” as an insult, online consensus has largely adopted the term to describe someone who is slow, awkward, or lacking in sharpness. This perception, however, has been challenged by BirdLife Australia, which highlights the pelican’s natural agility and social intelligence.
The Guardian Australia’s annual Bird of the Year poll has also seen the pelican rise in popularity, partly due to the efforts of reporter Matilda Boseley in promoting the bird’s positive traits. This shift in public perception underscores the dynamic nature of Australian slang, which can evolve rapidly in response to cultural and political currents. For Hanson, the pelican metaphor may be a double-edged sword—while it reinforces her image as a traditionalist, it also exposes her to criticism for using a term that some view as derogatory.
Despite the debate, the exchange between Hogan and Hanson has provided a unique lens through which to examine the interplay of language, identity, and politics. The pelican, once a mere bird, now carries the weight of ideological battle. As the conversation unfolds, the term’s meaning may continue to shift, reflecting the complexities of how Australians define their cultural heritage in an increasingly diverse society.
So much for the monoculture? That’s not a knife, Pauline. That’s a knife. The metaphor may be a small jab, but its impact is far-reaching, illustrating the enduring power of language in shaping national narratives. Whether the pelican is a fool, a clown, or simply a symbol of resilience, its role in this exchange is undeniable. And as the political landscape continues to evolve, the bird’s place in Australian slang will likely remain a topic of discussion for years to come.
