Why do they call New Zeland (or is it Australia) Oz?

One of the more prominent terms to describe the Australian population as a whole is 'Aussies'. While this may look to some people like it should be pronounced with a soft 's', it's not - it's pronounced 'Ozzies'. Which makes it entirely logical that the slang for Australia should be 'Oz'.

The Aus in Australia sounds like Oz
Australia sounds like Oztralia
Oz is a shortened form of Oztralia

Australians slur between both of these pronounciations

When someone asks an Australian where they come from
the response is generally Australia not Oz

Some might say, but rarely, 'from downunder' meaning the bottom half of the globe

If someone asks if you are an Aussie or 'from downunder' of from Oz
(and of course, if you are an Australian)
the reply would be, 'yes'

Aussies is an 'abbreviation' of Australia
meaning Australians as a group

Australians accept all of the above as complimentary.






Just thought I'd add:
IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch
closed the Sydney Olympics,
declaring it 'the best Olympic Games ever'.

There are several theories, but most say it's just a shortening of "Aussie". (and yes, Australia not NZ!)

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_oz_the_nickname_of_Australia