I don't really know how it came about, but Sydneysiders at least have a funny habit of referring to Brisbane as "Brisvegas." Having never been to either, I really can't comment on its validity ... or, as I suspect provides the humor (think: "Target" pronounced pseudo-French), lack thereof.
Brisbanites also call it Brisvegas as a term of affection.
ReplyDeleteAnd here's a link to some background on its origin: http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071016200137AANQ4Nn