[Army Air Corps]

Ping.

[SkyDancer]

Just like the accent in the UK? Or New Zealand? Just like some say the reason Aussies call each other 'mate' is because it comes from 'inmate' since Oz started out as a penal colony.

I've heard that nonsense time and time again. And then there's this:

"G'day, cobber." "G'day, mate. How're ye doin'?" "Aw, been flat out like a lizard drinkin'. Hear the Sydney Swans hammered Collingwood on Saturday?"

"Ripper."

Cobber is archaic and you can always tell a Yank when they use that term.

Anyway, 'mate' is of UK origin and simply means friend. And yer mate is closer to you than your sheila or wife.