Learn English – Is “cookie” a recent addition to Australian English

australian-english

Wiktionary's entry for cookie says a "cookie" is

(England and Wales) A specifically American-style biscuit.

and Wikipedia's entry for biscuit says

Although in Commonwealth Nations, the term "cookie" may be synonymous
with "biscuit", a cookie is generally a softer baked product.

I don't really recall "cookie" being used this way 10 or 20 years ago in Australia. Am I imagining it, or has usage of the word increased over time?

Best Answer

I would tend to agree that 'cookie' is a recent addition to Australian English as it is to Indian English. The younger generation is more inclined to use American terms these days even in countries like Australia and India where British English has been closely followed, at least in terms of vocabulary.

Where foodstuffs are concerned, Australian English tends to be more closely related to the British vocabulary. For example, the term biscuit is the traditional and common term rather than the American term cookie. As had been the case with many terms, cookie is recognised and understood by Australians, and occasionally used, especially among younger generations. [Source]

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