‘Thongs aren’t underwear’: The case for an Australian ChatGPT

“Thongs aren’t underwear”: An Australian AI Vision

Sovereign Australia AI aims to develop an AI model that truly grasps Australian culture and values.

Background: Why an Australian AI?

The project intends to create an AI assistant that reflects distinctly Australian elements—language, humor, and social nuances—rather than relying on models developed overseas, which might miss local context.

Cultural Nuances in Language

A key example highlighting cultural difference is the Australian use of "thongs." Rather than referring to underwear, in Australia, thongs are what others call flip-flops. This subtlety underscores the importance of having an AI that understands local language to avoid misunderstandings.

Benefits and Challenges

The Bigger Picture

Australia’s push for a sovereign AI model reflects a growing global trend where nations emphasize localization in artificial intelligence to maintain cultural integrity and sovereignty while reaping technological advances.

“Thongs aren’t underwear,” becomes a metaphor for how AI must go beyond surface-level understanding and genuinely connect with local contexts.


The drive for an Australian ChatGPT highlights the essential role of culturally nuanced AI to bridge the gap between global technology and local identity, enhancing user experience and cultural representation.

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The Sydney Morning Herald on MSN The Sydney Morning Herald on MSN — 2025-11-29

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