‘Gross’: European expats shock Aussies after going fully nude at home

A European expat has sparked a huge debate online after a seemingly innocent act landed them in hot water with neighbours.

A European expat who shocked their Australian neighbours by being naked round the house has taken to social media to ask about cultural norms Down Under.

Posting anonymously to Reddit, the expat asked just how naked is considered “okay” by Australians, receiving mixed responses and sparking a debate online.

The author of the post explained they are from Europe and are relatively new to Australia, currently living in Sydney.

The expat was keen to find out what is appropriate for Australia, wanting to “fit in and not cause any problems or offence to anyone.”

“Our street is about 50 per cent Australian born and 50 per cent new arrivals like us. Most of them are of Asian or subcontinental backgrounds, one English family,” they wrote, providing some background information.

“We have I would say a very good relationship with most people, we do regular street parties, events at each other’s houses, help with minding children etc,” they continued.

“However, I’ve heard of a few comment flying around about our family being naked.

“For us, being naked is normal. Of course we were appropriate clothes if we’re outside our house, but usually inside my husband, children and I will be naked or close to it. If we’re outside the children (all under 10) are usually naked.”

The author of the post explained she and her husband usually wear something to cover the bottom half of their body if they go outside to their front or backyard, but prefer to go fully nude when swimming in their pool.

The European expat was asking where it was appropriate to be naked. Picture: iStock

“Our pool has a covering over it for the sun and is almost impossible to see, a few neighbouring houses would have to go to the highest point of their houses and make an effort to look,” they wrote.

“If we’re inside, again it’s very hard to see inside but it is possible if you really look.”

“Of course if we have guests of any kind, we are fully covered up.

The post has shocked some Aussies and sparked a mass debate, with many not seeing a problem with the naked act, and others urging the expats to cover up.

“You do you inside your house and if your backyard is as private as you say then all good also … people shouldn’t be looking so it’s their problem not yours if they do!” one person wrote.

“Absolutely, my neighbours love being naked and sometimes I inadvertently see them. It’s a laugh and ‘gday’ then continue on with my day,” agreed another.

A third wrote: “We’re pretty chill here about people doing what they want so long as they don't impede on or force it on other people.”

Some people also agreed it was fine to be nude, so long as others are considerate, as one user said: “Inside and back yard (if it’s private) do what you want. Front yard, yeah, shorts and T-shirt minimum.”

Aussies had a mixed reaction to the expat’s question. Picture: iStock.

A second person chimed in: “If people are commenting on your nakedness then you’re probably not as private about it as you think you are.

“I don’t want to see my neighbours naked if I accidentally see through their window from mine. While it is culturally acceptable to walk around naked in your home, but it is not culturally acceptable to be visibly naked to others without their consent,” they continued.

“At worst someone could think you’re intentionally exposing yourselves to the public which would be considered very offensive.”

In NSW, according to the Summary Offences Act of 1988 a person is not permitted to “wilfully” obscenely expose their body in public places, schools or other sensitive areas.

The acts that can lead to a public nudity offence include exposing specific parts of the body, wearing transparent and see-through clothing, as well as total body nudity.

Justifying whether revealing a body part is “illegal” depends on various factors, including what intent was behind the nude exposure.

Exposing areas of the buttocks or breasts may not count as obscene acts depending on the condition surrounding it — a mother breastfeeding is not considered “obscene”.

However, the courts hold that exposure of genitalia as obscene exposures.

Specially allocated nude beaches allow people to expose themselves, without breaking any laws.

Nudist beaches allow people to expose themselves without consequences. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Penalties for appearing nude in public outside of designated areas can involve fines.

Some people were more concerned the author of the post was not being sun safe.

One person wrote: “Should be worried about skin cancer, the Aussie sun is no joke.”

“Naked outside in Australia is a bad idea though,” agreed another.

“You get burnt FAST. Someone from Europe will get a cultural shock in no time flat.”

A third person joined in: “I do not know any Australian over 60 who has not had skin cancer.”

“They didn’t cover (themselves in) sunscreen in their youth.”

“The sun is not the same here and you need to act accordingly, especially if you’re Northern European, you have zero protection” they wrote.

About 70 per cent of people admit they forget to protect themselves from skin cancer and agree they should be self-checking their skin for early signs more frequently, according to new research from Australian life insurer TAL released last month.

Current statistics from the Cancer Council state that two in three Australians are predicted to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70 – yet recent research from life insurer TAL found that 63 per cent of the population have not had a skin check in the last 12 months, and 30 per cent have never had one.

Originally published as ‘Gross’: European expats shock Aussies after going fully nude at home