In a space of a few days, I’ve had the same conversation with three different clients which has resulted in confusion over the usage of a word, ‘call’. More accurately, a phrase – ‘It’s your call’.

Each time, someone has asked me what they should do in relation to a job offer, relocating or gaining further qualifications. It goes something like this…

‘So Terry, it’s your call. Should I move to Melbourne or stay in Adelaide?’

To which I have responded with, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not prepared to make that call. I can discuss the pros and cons of relocating but I’m not prepared to make a call on that one’.

‘No, I understand, but you are the expert, Terry. It’s your call’.

Then the penny finally dropped. My understanding of the meaning of this word is different from yours. The three clients concerned have been from India and Pakistan which got me thinking – the word’s usage is different in the sub-continent, perhaps. My clients were using the word ‘call’ as synonymous with ‘opinion’, whereas its usage in Australia is synonymous with ‘decision or judgement’, hence my reluctance to make a life decision for somebody else. I’m happy to give my opinion, but it’s your call.

If anyone would like to shed some light on this, feel free to comment. Or maybe you’ve come across other words in Australia that have caused confusion.