21 Things That Are Too Damn Real If You're Bosnian And Grew Up In Australia

Break out the rakija, it's time to bond like Bosnians.

1. Hearing "Is that the same as Croatian/Serbian?" every single time you tell someone where you are from.

NBC

Yes, it's mostly the same language, the same food and it was once all one country. It's confusing, but, not the same thing.

2. And then having to explain where you were born, how you ended up in Australia and why.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

Yes, I was born in Germany, but I don't speak the language — and I'm Bosnian, but also Australian. It's never a simple answer.

3. Giving up on teaching people how to pronounce your surname pretty quickly into any interaction.

NBC

If I have to spell my last name over the phone one more time I'm going to scream.

4. Knowing that as soon as someone learns where you're from, they'll immediately tell you every word they know in Bosnian.

FOXTV

And it's always swear words. Always.

5. But also knowing that Bosnian swears are the only way to express true anger.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

There is no word in the English language that holds the power of "jebiga" and that's just a fact.

6. Ordering your own Happy Meal at Macca's as soon as you can speak English.

IFC Original Productions / Broadway Video

And graduating to translating government letters at age seven.

7. Being incapable of imitating your dad's accent without sounding Russian or like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

TriStar Pictures / Carolco Pictures Inc

All your friends will try as well — and all will fail.

8. And being hit with a papuča as soon as your dad hears your imitation.

Twentieth Century Fox / Lightstorm Entertainment

Trying to reason with him that he DOES sound like Arnold Schwarzenegger will not help.

9. Knowing that promaja will 100% be the cause of your death.

NBC / Hulu

If you ever have two windows open at once, go outside with wet hair or have an air conditioner on — you are asking for an early funeral.

10. Wearing a singlet under your shirt no matter how hot it is because otherwise the promaja will definitely get you.

CW

Have you ever met a nation of people more scared of a breeze?

11. Fearing any unsealed water bottle for the rest of your life after the several swigs of rakija you've accidentally taken from the fridge.

Global TV

Rakija is a magical alcohol that is somehow both delicious and tastes like nail polish remover, depending on how your dedo made it that week.

12. Knowing your mama's burek/pita is the best, no matter what your cousins say.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

She also makes the best sarma, kiflice and tufahija.

13. Celebrating Eid without really knowing what's going on, if you're Bosnian Muslim.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

Patiently waiting for your tetka to give you money without really understanding the greeting you said because it was in Arabic.

14. Knowing not to whistle inside because it will invite the šaitan in.

NBC

Also, don't cut your fingernails at night.

15. Reminding all your non-Bosnian friends that they need to take their shoes off before they come into your house, to save them from the wrath of your mama.

Lifetime

If she sees one morsel of dirt on the carpet, you'll never see your non-Bosnian friend again.

16. Having your family change your friends' names to be more Bosnian.

Netflix

My boyfriend's name is Dan, but my family exclusively calls him Denis.

17. Always remembering the moment Hamish and Andy went to Mostar to do the bridge jump.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

Never have more of your friends been excited to know a Bosnian.

18. And when Croatia made it to the 2018 Fifa World Cup finals, you suddenly remembered you might have some Croatian blood.

FIFA TV / Via giphy.com

Look, it was all one country once, just give us this one.

19. Claiming to know any Bosnian that has made it in the world.

Major League Soccer / Via giphy.com

My dedo is 100% convinced he knows Ibrahimovic's baka, so therefore, I know Ibrahimovic. I don't make the rules.

20. Considering getting your Bosnian citizenship to live in Sarajevo, because it's the most beautiful place you've ever seen.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

Then realising the process of getting your citizenship is too hard and that they'll probably just let you stay without one anyway.

21. And lastly, growing up confused about your identity, but learning over time that being Bosnian and Australian is pretty freaking great.

Azra Berberovic / BuzzFeed

I think baby me is actually fist-pumping here.