MovieChat Forums > The Hard Word (2003) Discussion > What exactly is 'The Hard Word'?

What exactly is 'The Hard Word'?

posted 16 years ago by bibimimi
6 replies | jump to latest

I'm guessing it's "No!"

I cut and pasted this from another thread.

The Hard Word is an australian slang term. Putting the hard word on someone means intimidating them, scaring them, or makin them do something they dont want to do...like 'why dont you put the hard word on him?'

[–] bibimimi 16 years ago

oh, thank you. another colloquialism that falls hard on my yanqui pea brain, but it's a good one 2 know.

[–] lamensterms 16 years ago

yeah, its like convincing someone to do something. the above poster put it pretty well. im not sure how it factors into the move though.

[–] jspattison 16 years ago

It's been a while since I watched this movie, but I seem to recall that when the boys were in prison their boss (Frank?) told them he could get them out but only if they'd agree to do a job for him. That would be the Hard Word.

[–] khazmir 14 years ago

I was wondering how the title was relevant too. Thanks for the explanation cowgoesmoo.

[–] jmac-20 13 years ago

there's actually a couple of meanings for the word - and it depends on the context.

In the context of the film, it means to stand over someone, or give them an ultimatum. Instead of the 'soft option' - it's perhaps like in the Godfather "I made him an offer he couldn't refuse' sort of thing.

The other usage of the term doesn't have any intimidation overtures whatsoever, and is said (occasionally, in friendly company) mostly in a light hearted way - and that is in the sense of attempting to initiate sex. - for example a man might say to a co-worker 'so there I was, about to put the hard word on the missus, and the kids came home early from footy practice' - or something along those lines..