While I can be cunning, I’m no linguist. I tend to pronounce it somewhere between can-bruh (but not brugh) and can-brah. I was born here and have lived most of my life here, but spent a not-insignificant amount of time spelling out the syllables (CAHN-BERR-AHH) to Americans who thought I rode a kangaroo to school.

Can Bruh with consensus from workmates.

I always thought Utopia should have got up, haha.

Well, it was probably named by men. So I guess it could be either named after meetings or the female anatomy. You tell me.

From NCA – site of all knowledge:

In 1913, when the Canberra area was no more than an outback sheep station divided by the Molonglo River, a ceremony was held to name the city. ‘Canberra’, as a new name for the capital, was a sentimental favourite and logical choice. The name probably derived from a local Aboriginal word for ‘meeting place’ and had been in common use in the district for more than three-quarters of a century. The people of Australia, nevertheless, responded with imagination and good humour to a Government invitation to find a suitable name for their future capital. ‘Cookaburra’, ‘Wheatwoolgold’ and ‘Kangaremu’ headed a list of Australiana which also included ‘Sydmelperadbrisho’ and ‘Meladneyperbane’. Politics prompted other names such as ‘Swindleville’, ‘Gonebroke’ and ‘Caucus City’.

It was something of a relief when at noon on 12 March Lady Denman, the wife of the
Governor-General, mounted a crimson-draped platform and declared in a clear English voice:

‘I name the capital of Australia, Canberra – the accent is on the Can’.

Skidd Marx said :

BTW, does anyone have any firm arguments as to what is the official aboriginal translation of the word “Canberra”? The most common one is “meeting place” but I have also read that it can be translated as “woman’s breasts” after the profile created between Mt.Majura and Mt Ainslie. Being a titties man, this definition obviously appeals to me a great deal more than the meeting place one. I have also read that “Canberra” translates to some type of native bird.

I have heard the breast theory, but thought it Black Mountain and Mt Ainslie.

Either way, I hope you live between two of these delightful mounts, which, of course, would be the meeting place between the two breasts. Perfect.

Can-berror sux0rs.

Can-bruh rulez!

I am extremely well spoken and a stickler for pronunciation. I am also very highly respected by my peers and work colleagues. Furthermore I am exceedingly wealthy, yet give little to charity, but that is beside the point.

The point IS, I say Kan-bruh. TWO syllables, not three. I hope this ends the debate once and for all.

BTW, does anyone have any firm arguments as to what is the official aboriginal translation of the word “Canberra”? The most common one is “meeting place” but I have also read that it can be translated as “woman’s breasts” after the profile created between Mt.Majura and Mt Ainslie. Being a titties man, this definition obviously appeals to me a great deal more than the meeting place one. I have also read that “Canberra” translates to some type of native bird.

I would say (as a born & bred Canberran) that it’s “Can-berra (Rhymes with “error”)”. I think it’s the Aussie tendancy to shorten it somewhat in conversation though, particularly after a few beers.

While we’re at it….I’m a “Canberran”, not a “Canberrian” as I’ve heard people from Canberra referred to from time to time….makes me shudder.

The only way the say it is “Can-Bra”, Bro

Actually, yes, bra like ‘bruh’ not bra like ‘baa’.

Bra and borough for me.

: )

Can Bruh.

and MelBun (not Mel born).

Shortened sounds – bit like pronouncing Worchestershire sauce really.

All of the above, depending on the situation and Alcohol consumed.

Can-berra (rhymes with error) for me.