A Dictionary of Australian Words and Terms

A.

A1--The best. ABORIGINAL--An original inhabitant of any land; an Australian black. ABSENTEE--Euphemistic term for convict. Word now disappeared. ACACIA--Kind of scrub. Australia possesses many species. ADAM'S ALE--Water. AIN'T--Abbreviation of "is not." 'ALF-A-MO--Fraction of a second. ALLEY, TO TOSS IN THE--To give in. ALL IN--Exhausted. ALL MY EYE--Expression of incredulity. ALL THERE--Expression of praise. ALL TO PIECES--Decadence. To fall away. ALL TO SMASH--To be ruined. ANCHORWING--Species of falcon. ANSWER IS A LEMON--A meaningless reply. ANTE UP--A surrender. ANT-ORCHIS--An Australian orchid. ANZAC--Contraction of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC BUTTON--Makeshift for trousers' button. ANZAC STEW--Foul water. ANZAC WAFER--Hard and flavourless biscuit. APPLE-SCENTED GUM--Species of eucalyptus. APPLE TREES--Names applied to various indigenous trees. ARSAPEEK--Inverted. ASH--Name applied to Australian woods. ASTHMA HERB--A Queensland plant. AUSSIE--Contraction of Australia AUSTRAL THRUSH--A bird of the thrush species; found in N.S.W. AUSTRALIA--Literally, southern land. AWAKE--To know all. A.W.L.--Absent without leave. AXE-BREAKER--Name of hardwood tree. AXLE-GREASE--Butter.

B.

BAAL--Aboriginal term expressing disgust or disapproval. BABBLING BROOK--A cook. BACK BLOCKER--(See WAY BACK). BACK-BLOCKS--The Far West. BACK OUT--Impertinent answer. BACKER--One who bets. BACK IN ONE'S CART--To intrude. BACK OUT--To retreat from a difficulty. BACK UP--To bet higher. BAG OF FRUIT--A suit. BAGS--A big quantity. BAIL--Arrangement for confining cow's head. BANDICOOT--A small marsupial animal differing from the Kangaroo in many ways, particularly in tail (which resembles the rat). BANJO--A shovel. BANKER, RUNNING A--River overflowing its banks. BANTAM--A hot-tempered person. BARCOO-GRASS--Pasture grass; common in Queensland. BARGE IN--Intrude; approach. BARGER--An uninvited guest. BARNEY FAIR--Hair. BARRACK--To jeer. BASH--To hit. BAT--Tool used in "Two-up." BATHURST BURR--Small Australian plant; also an annoying person. BEAK--A magistrate. BEAL--Aboriginal drink. BEANO--A feast. BEANS--Money. BEAT IT--Move off quickly. BEAT UP--To give a thrashing. BEEF IT OUT--To exclaim in a loud voice. BEER-SWIPER--An inebriate. BEER-UP--A drinking bout. BELL-BIRD--So-called from resemblance of its notes to tinkle of bell. BELL-TOPPER--Tall silk hat. BIDDY-BIDDY--Kind of burr. BIFF--To strike hard. BIG SMOKE--City. BIG SUGAR--Big money. BIG WIG--An authoritative person. BILLABONG--Channel coming from river and returning. BILLY--Bushman's kettle. BINGY--The stomach. BINT--A woman. BIRD--Quaint person. BIRD, TO GET THE--To be greeted derisively. BITE--To ask for a loan. BITE HIS LUG--To cadge. BLACKFELLOW--Aboriginal. BLACK SWAN--A large black aquatic bird of the duck family with very heavy body and exceptionally long neck. BLACK-TRACKER--Aboriginal used to track criminals. BLIGHTY--England. BLIM' MY--Exclamation. BLINKER--A black eye. BLITHERED--Foolishly drunk. BLITHERER--Annoying person. BLOCK--Head. BLOKE--An adult male. BLOODY--An expletive; distasteful. BLOTTO--Drunk. BLOW--To boast. BLUBBER--To cry. BLUDGER--A man who lives upon the proceeds of prostitution. BLUEBELL--Tasmanian flower. BLUE-GUM--Species of gum tree. BLUES--Out of sorts. BLUEY--A blue blanket; a swag. BLUFF--Bumptious. BLUFF-STAKES--Deceitful attempt to convince. BOBBY--A policeman. BOKO--The nose. BONZER--The best; good. BOOB--A prison. BOODLE--Money. BOOKIE--Abbreviation of bookmaker. BOOMERANG--A curved or angular wooden weapon used as a missile by the Australian aboriginals. BOOZE--Alcoholic drink. BORER--Destructive insect. BORONIA--Genus of fragrant plant. BOSKER--Good; first class. BOSS COCKIE--Australian farmer. BOTT--Person who borrows. BOUNCE--Assertive BOUNDARY RIDER--Station hand who keeps fences in order. BOUQUET--A compliment. BOWYANGS--Straps or string tied below the knee outside the trousers, to give the leg freedom. BOX-ON--A brawl; to resume. BRACELETS--Handcuffs. BRASS--Coin. BREAD AND JAM--Tram. BREAK-IT--Win money when destitute. BREAK THE ICE--To start. BREEZE-UP--To be afraid. BROADS--A pack of cards. BROLGA--A bluish-grey bird of the crane specie, with very long legs. BROLLY--An umbrella. BRUMBY--A wild horse with long matted mane and tail and of ill-breeding. BRUMMY--False. BUCK--To resist. BUCK-JUMPER--A horse when apeing the contortionist and vigorously leaping, from place to place at the same time. BUCKSHEE--Free. BUCK UP--To gain courage. BUFFER--An elderly person. BULLY--A braggard. BUMMER--A cadger. BUMPER--Butt of cigarette. BUN, TO TAKE THE--Ironically win the prize. BUNDLE, TO DROP THE--To show cowardice. BUNG--Cheese; also a Publican. BUNNIES--Rabbits. BURL--To try anything. BUSHRANGER--Robber who ranges the bush. BUST, ON THE--To run wild. BUSTARD--In colour and in shape of head distinct from the Wild Turkey. The Bustard lives in the scrub, the Wild Turkey on the plains. BUTCHER BIRD--Name given the family of Australian shrikes, distinguished for their habit of hanging prey to "ripen," and for their powers of song. BUTT IN--To intrude. BUTTINSKI--An intruding person. BUZZ-OFF--To go away.

C.

CAGMAG--Scraps of food. CAIN AND ABEL--Table. CAMP OUT--To sleep in the open. CARPET-SNAKE--Large, beautifully coloured snake. CASER--Five shillings. CAT, TO WHIP THE--To regret. CATTLE-DUFFER--One who steals cattle. CEDAR--A valuable species of timber. CHALK IT--To book credit. CHATTED HIM--To ask. CHEW IT OVER--To contemplate. CHICKEN-HEARTED--A coward. CHIVVY--The face. CHOCK AND LOG FENCE--A wooden fence built with parallel logs, and wooden chocks between, at right angles to the logs. CHOKE OFF--To get rid on CHOP--To exchange articles; to divide. CHOW--A Chinese. CHUCK--To throw. CHUCK IN--To contribute. CHUCK UP--To give in. CHUMP--A simpleton. CHUNK--Piece. CICADA--An insect erroneously called locust. CLICK--To contract. CLINCH--To agree. CLINER--A young girl. CLOBBER--Suit of clothes. CLOUT--A hard blow. COBBER--A friend. COCKATOO--A white parrot with a handsome crest of orange or yellow tinge. COCK EYE--A squint. COME DOWN--A disappointment. CONE--The nose. COO-EE--A bush call. COOT--A contemptible person. COPPER--A policeman. CORKER--Proficient person. CORNSTALK--Young Australian. COTTON ON TO--To become friendly. COUNT, TO TAKE THE--To remain prostrate. COVE--An individual. COW LICK--A tuft of hair. CRABBED IT--To spoil. CRACK HARDY--To suppress feelings. CRACK UP--To become exhausted. CRIB--A house. CRIB--To steal; a home. CRIKEY--Exclamation of astonishment. CROAK--To die. CROAKER--A complainer. CROCODILE--A four-footed reptile, with long flat head and very large mouth displaying many teeth, sunken eyes, nose slightly turned up. CROOK--Brummagen. CROOK SPIN--Run of bad luck. CROPPER--A fall. CRUELLED THE PITCH--To upset arrangements. CRUMBY--Dirty. CRUST--Livelihood. CURLEW--Bush bird, with depressing note, of the snipe family, but large size for a member of that group. Long legs, bill turned downwards. CUT IT OUT--To dispense with.

D.

DAG--A funny fellow. DAGO--An Italian. DAMPER--Bread cooked in the ashes. DARLING PEA--Australian plant found in the west of N.S.W. DARLING SHOWER--A dust storm in Riverina. DASH--An ejaculation expressing annoyance. DASH IT--Exclamation of annoyance. DEAD-BEAT--A derelict. DEAL IT OUT--Administer punishment. DEANER--A shilling. DEEP SINKER--A large vessel made of glass, metal or other substance used to drink out of. DEMONS--Detectives. DERRY--To have a grudge. DIAL--The face. DIAMOND SNAKE--Venomous reptile. DICKEN--To express doubt. DICKEY--Shirt front. DIDDLE--To cheat. DINGBATS--To be annoyed; D.T.'s. DING-DONG GO--A good fight. DIGGER--A gold miner; an Australian soldier. DINGO--A wild dog found in Australia. It has a wolf-like face, bushy tail and usually a reddish-brown colour. DINKUM--Fair and honest. DINKY-DI--Integrity; reputable. DIRTY LEFT--A formidable hit. DISH IT OUT--To serve roughly. DIVVY--A portion. DIZZY LIMIT--The utmost degree DODGE--To evade. DODGER--Bread. DOER--Humorist. DO IN--To defraud. DOLLAR--Five shillings. DOLLOP--A lump of matter. DOLL UP--To dress fashionably. DONE UP--Exhausted; overdressed. DOOKS--The hands. DOSS--To sleep. DOUGH--Money. DOUSE--To wet; extinguish. DOWN SOUTH--To put away. DRAFT--To class cattle. DRAY--A cart. DRUM--A brothel. DUCKBILL--(See PLATYPUS). DUD--A failure. DUDS--Trousers. DUFFER--A fool. DUGONG--Genus of marine mammals inhabiting North Australian Coast. DUMPER--A curling breaker. DUNNO--Do not know. DUNNYKEN--A closet. DUST--Flour.

E.

'EADING--Playing "two-up." EAGLEHAWK--Australian species of Uroaetus, a large bird. EATS--Food. EDGE--To withdraw. ELEPHANT'S BACK, ON THE--Getting the best. 'ELL FOR LEATHER--At top pace. EMU--A large non-flying ground bird. END UP--To stand up. EUCALYPTOL--Oil extracted from Eucalyptus tree. EUCALYPTUS--The gum tree. There are 120 species. EYE-FULL--Have a look.

F.

FADE AWAY--To depart. FAG--A cigarette. FAIR CRACK OF THE WHIP--Just treatment. FAIR GO--Just treatment. FED UP--Disgusted. FELL TO THE JOKE--To be taken in. FIFTY-FIFTY--Equal share. FIRE STICK--Lighted stick carried by aboriginals. FIVES--The fists. FIZGIG--Police informer. FLABBERGAST--To astonish. FLAME--A sweetheart. FLANNEL FLOWER--Small white flower, abundant in N.S.W. FLAPPER--A brazen girl. FLARE UP--A row. FLASH--Showy; smart. FLAT--A fool. FLAT FEET--Policemen. FLATHEAD--Australian name for species of salt-water fish. FLOATING 'EM--A "two-up" term. FLOORED--Knocked down. FLUFF--A female. FLUKE--To be lucky. FLUTTER--To give a trial. FLY--Wide awake; smart. FLYING FOX--A very large fruit-eating bat with a fox-like face. FOOT, ME--Ridiculous. FORE OUT--To pay. FOWL--Old woman; obnoxious women. FRAME-UP--Dubious methods. FREE-SELECTION--Land taken up under certain laws. FREE-SELECTOR--One who takes up Crown land. FRESH-WATER PERCH--Tasmanian fish. FRISKY--Fresh. FROG--A policeman; a note. FUDGE--To cheat. FULL UP--Sick of. FUNK--To be afraid. FURPHY--Wild rumour.

G.

GAB--Talk. GALAH--The rose-breasted cockatoo. GAME, IN THE--To be one of the affluent. GAMMON--To deceive. GANGER--Boss of navvies. GAWKY--Awkward person. GAZOB--A foolish person. GEEBUNG--Aboriginal name for small native plum. GEEWHIZZ--Expressing surprise. GET, TO DO A--A hurried departure. GIBBER--A rock. GIBBER-GUNYAH--Aboriginal home in cave. GILL-BIRD--Another name for Wattle Bird. GIN--Aboriginal woman. GINK--A peculiar fellow. GIVE IT A GO--To make an attempt. GIZZARD--The heart. GLASSY EYE--A cold stare. GLUE-POT--A bad road. GOANNA--A large lizard, varying in size and colour. It lives both above and below the ground and in trees. Many are capable of swallowing a live 'possum. GOAT--A fool. GO HIM--To want to fight. GOIN' STIFF 'UNS--Thieving from inebriates. GONE WEST--Dead. GOODO--All right. GOO-GOO EYES--Affectionate glance. GOOLEY--A stone. GOOSE--Foolish person. GOOSED--Fooled. GO THE WHOLE PILE--To risk everything. GRAB--To seize. GRASSHOPPER--A leaping, grass-feeding insect varying from less than an inch to two inches in length, with spare body and very long wings and legs. GREEN--Inexperienced person. GREY NURSE SHARK--Type of Australian shark. GRIFFIN, THE STRAIGHT--The truth. GROGGY--Reeling; dazed. GROUCH--A complaint. GROUSE--Something good. GRUB--Food. GUFF--Foolish talk. GUFFED--Deceived. GULLY--A shallow valley. GUM--Popular name for trees of the genus Eucalyptus. GUMMY--Species of shark with small teeth. GUM TREE--Variety of Eucalyptus. GUN--Tobacco pipe. GUNYAH--A blackfellow's humpy, built of bark, sometimes around a tree, but not always, tapering from a peak at the top to a bell-shape at the bottom. GUY--A person. GUY, TO DO A--To retreat. GUYVER--Pretence.

H.

HALF-A-WHEEL--2s. 6d. HANDIES, PLAYING--Sweethearts holding hands HAND OUT--To give. HANGER ON--Unwanted person. HANG OFF--To stand aside; refuse. HANG-OVER--The remnants of a feast. HANKIES--Handkerchiefs. HARD LINES--Bad luck. HARD UP--Destitute. HASH--A common food. HATTER--A solitary person. HAWKER--Door-to-door traveller. HEAD--A person of authority. HEAD SERANG--The master. HITCHED--To be married. HOG WASH--Beer. HOLDIN'--Possessing money. HOMESTEAD--Dwelling on a station. HONEY-EATER--Australian bird which absorbs honey from flowers. HOOKED--Having enticed a young lady. HOP OFF--To run away. HOT 'UN--Something unusual; an unlikely story. HUMDINGER--A proficient person. HUMP, TO--To carry a burden. HUMPY--Bush hut. HUNK--A piece of anything. HUT--A small bush home.

I.

IBIS--A specie of heron, about two feet long, with long, slender, downwardly curved bill like that of a curlew, with which don't confuse. IMSHEE--To go away. INKED--To be drunk. INTRO.--Abbreviation of introduction. IRONBARK--Genus of Eucalyptus. IT, TO BE--To be in authority. IVY, NATIVE--An Australian variety of ivy.

J.

JAB--A smart punch. JACKASS--(See LAUGHING JACKASS). JACKAROO--A young man learning station work. JACK THE PAINTER--Strong bush tea. JACKY WINTER--Vernacular name of the Brown Fly-Catcher Bird. JAKE--All right; in order. JANE--A woman. JAW-BREAKER--Excessively long word. JEW-FISH--Name applied to species of Sciaena antarticia. JIFF--A brief period. JIMMY--An immigrant. Word now obsolete. JIMMY WOODSER--One who drinks alone. JINKER--Contrivance for carrying wood in bush. JOB, TO--To attack; to strike. JOHN--A policeman. JOINT--Establishment, house, or place. JO-JO--A hairy-faced person. JOKE, TO BE IN THE--To have knowledge of a scheme. JOLT--A sharp punch. JUG--Prison. JUMBUCK--Aboriginal name for sheep. JUMPER--Mining term. One who jumps a claim.

K.

KADI--Hat. KANAKA--Labourer from South Sea Islands. KANGAROO--A marsupial animal about five feet long including the tail, with small head, large ears, very long and powerful hind legs, and a long, thick tail. KANGAROO DOG--A greyhound, or any class of dog used in hunting Kangaroos. KAURI--A yellow valuable wood. KEEK--To have a look. KELPIE--A short-haired, pricked-eared, medium-sized Australian-bred dog, with a strain of dingo blood in him. KERSPLOSH--To fall heavily. KICK--To protest. KICK BACK--To return the buying of a drink; to raise a bet. KICK OFF--To commence. KICK the BUCKET--To die. KID--A child; to deceive. KIDDING--Deceiving. KID STAKES--To pretend. KINGFISHER--English bird-name; there are thirteen Australian species. KING HIT--The winning blow in a fight. KIPSIE--A dwelling. KNOB--Leader. KNOCK DOWN--An introduction. KNOCKED-OUT DROPS--Drugged drink. KNOCKED-UP--Tired out. KNOCK 'EM OVER--Buy drinks quickly. KNUCKLE-DUSTER--Big finger ring. KNUT--A flash person. K.O.--Knock-out blow. KOALA--Aboriginal name for native bear. KOOKABURRA--(See LAUGHING JACKASS). KURRAJONG--Aboriginal name for various-plants.

L.

LAD--A humorous fellow. LAG--To delay. LANDED--Caught. LAND THE MUSTARD--To win money. LARK--A practical joke. LARRIKIN--A rowdy, ill-mannered youth. LASH--To strike. LAUGHING JACKASS--A Kingfisher about the size of a crow and having the upper parts dull brown and the under parts dirty white. LAY OFF--To rest. LEATHER JACKET--A small, tough-skinned fish. LEERY--A common person. LEG IN--To get a start. LEG PULLING--To deceive; make-believe. LET DRIVE--To strike at. LICE--To defeat. LID--A hat. LIGHT HORSE--Australian Cavalry. LIGHTS--The eyes. LIMIT--Extreme. LINE UP--To accost. LINGO--Language. LIP--Impudence. LISTENER--The ear. LIZARD--Australian reptile. LOB, TO--To arrive; to strike. LOCUST--Erroneous name for Cicada. LOLLIES--Sweets, candies, frequently in glass jars when displayed for sale. LOLLY, IT IS A--Easy to deceive. LONG-HEADED--Calculating person. LONG-SLEEVER--An elongated glass. 'LOO--Woolloomooloo, suburb of Sydney. LOSE YER BLOCK--To get annoyed. LOUD--Ostentatious. LOUSY--Mean; dirty. LUBRA--An adult female Australian aboriginal. LUG--Ear. LUMME--A mild oath. LURK--A scheme. LYRE-BIRD--An Australian bird about the size of the English grouse, having sixteen tail feathers very long, and when spread during courtship arranged in the form of a lyre.

M.

MACKEREL--A species of fish; plentiful in coastal waters. MADO--A Sydney fish Therepon cuvieri. MAD MICK--A pick. MAFEESH--The finish (Arab.). MAG--To talk; scold. MAGPIE--Black-and-white Crow-Shrike bird. MAGSMAN--A talkative person; a deceiver. MAHOGANY--Name applied to various hardwood trees. MAKE TRACKS--To proceed; to go away. MALLEE--Species of Eucalyptus; Mallee country. MARK, A GOOD--Easy to impose upon. MARSUPIAL--An animal in which the female has abdominal pouch for carrying young. MASHED--To be in love. MATILDA--Bushman's swag. MAUL--To pull about. MEET--An appointment. MICKY--An unbranded, uncastrated calf approximating a year in age. MILL--A strenuous fight. MILLET--A hardy grass. MISSED THE 'BUS--To be left behind. MIX IT--To fight violently. MIZZLE--To leave hurriedly. MO.--Contraction of moment and moustache. MOB--Group of larrikins; flock of sheep. MOKE--A poor horse. MOLL--A dissolute woman. MONIKER--Sobriquet. MONKEY--To play with anything; to prank; £ 50. MONKIES--A bush term for sheep. MOOCH--To wander aimlessly. MOONEY--To be foolish. MOPOKE--Aboriginal name for bird with weird metallic call. MUCK UP--To play the fool; to spoil. MUG--A silly person; the face. MUG, TO--To fondle affectionately. MULGA--Scrub in Far West. MULLOCK, TO POKE--To deride. MURRAY COD--Species of cod found in that river. MUSH--Sentiment. MUSLIN, BIT OF--A woman. MUSSELS--Freshwater oysters. A shell-fish frequenting the rivers and creeks in Australia. MYALL--An acacia tree, the wood of which is hard and well-grained.

N.

NARDOO--Sporocarp of plant used by aboriginals as food. NARK--Annoy. NARK--An obstinate man; an informer. NARK, TO--To cause annoyance. NATIVE BEAR--A small marsupial animal with grey fur and full expressive face (see KOALA). NATIVE CAT--Distinguishable from the domestic animal by its head, which is rat shaped, while its snout is narrow. NATTY--Neat. NECK, TO GET IT IN THE--To receive a reverse; punishment. NEDDY--A horse. NEEDFUL, THE--Money. NELSON'S BLOOD--Rum. NERVE-BRAVERY--Impertinence. NEVER-NEVER--The outback. NEW CHUM--Any person from abroad unacquainted with Australian life and customs. NICE--Physical fitness. NINE'S, DRESSED UP TO THE--Showy attire. NIP--Beg. NIPPER--A child. NIX--A warning; nothing. NOAH'S ARE--A park. NOBBLER--Glass of alcohol. NOBBLERISE--To drink frequently. NOSE AROUND--To be inquisitive. NOSEY--To be inquisitive. NULLAH NULLAH--A kind of hardwood club used by the Australian aboriginals.

O.

OATS, WILD--An indigenous grass. OH I SAY--Exclamation of surprise. OILED--Intoxicated. O.K.--In order. OLD CHUM--Experienced person. OLD DUTCH--A wife. OLD MAN--Father; boss. ONKUS--Unpleasant; absurd. ON THE SHELF--A spinster. OUT--To be unconscious. OUT, ALL--Exhausted; determined. OUTER, ON THE--To be poor; to be outside. OUT-RUN--Distant part of a sheep station. OVERLANDER--A drover of stock. OVER THE ODDS--Exorbitant.

P.

PACK-HORSE--Horse that carries material. PACK, TO GO TO THE--To fall away; to collapse. PADDOCK--A field enclosed by a fence. PADDYMELON--Small species of wallaby. PADDYWHACK--A beating. PANNIKIN--Small drinking vessel. PARD--A friend. PARRAKEET--Small type of parrot. PASS ONE--To deliver a punch. PASTORALIST--Squatter. PAT, ON ONE'S--Acting alone. PATRIOT--Cynical term for convict. PEACH--Something good; a nice girl. PEE-WEE--Name used in N.S.W. for Magpie Lark. PELICAN--A very large bird, with a very large bill, and distensible gular pouch. PERISH, DOING A--To shiver; to be cold. PETER--Cash box. PETER OUT--To become exhausted. PHIZ--The face. PICCANINNY--A baby, or very young Australian aboriginal. PICK UP, TO--To join anyone. PIG'S EAR--Beer. PIKE--Australian name for species of salt-water fish. PIKER--A thief. PILE IT ON--To exaggerate. PILOT--A clergyman. PINCH--To thieve. PINS--Legs. PIP, GOT THE--To be despondent. PITCH A TALE--Tell an untruth. PLAIN TURKEY--(See WILD TURKEY). PLANT--To hide. PLATYPUS--Remarkable indigenous animal forming a link between bird and beast. PLUG--To strike. PLUG ALONG--To move with determination. PLUNGE--A big bet. PODGY--Stout. POINT--Sensitive portion of the jaw. POINT, TO--Take advantage; to contrive unfairly. POKE--A collar. POLISH OFF--To finish. POMMY--English immigrant. PONY--£ 25. PORCUPINE--A rather large rodent with spiked quills and which feeds chiefly upon bark, leaves and ants. PORT JACKSON SHARK--Shark abounding around N.S.W. coast. 'POSSUM--A marsupial animal living in hollow trees, about two and half feet long, including the tail. The fur is chiefly greyish mixed with whitish hair. POT--A sum of money. POT, OLD--Father, elderly person. PRICKLY PEAR--Noxious weed. PRINCE ALBERTS--Rags or bandages used by a swagman or sundowner around his feet in place of socks. PROP--A horse stopping suddenly. PUB.--Hotel. PUG.--Abbreviation for pugilist. PULL, TO TAKE A--To become wise; to refrain. PULLING A HORSE--To prevent a horse from winning a race. PUNTER--One who bets, chiefly on racehorses. PUSH--A crowd of larrikins. PUT IT OVER--To convince; tell a lie. PUT WISE--To be informed. PYTHON--A genus of large snakes.

Q.

QUANDONG--Aboriginal name for tree with small bluish-red fruit. QUEEN--Effeminate person. QUEER THE PITCH--To frustrate; to upset arrangements. QUID--A sovereign. QUOD--Gaol. QUOLL--Aboriginal name for native cat.

R.

RAG--A newspaper. RAG, TO CHEW THE--To grieve; to be melancholy. RAG, TO SKY THE--To surrender. RAIN, TO KEEP OUT OF THE--To avoid danger. RATTLED--Confused, annoyed. READY UP--A fake. RED BREAM--Name given to young schnapper. RED GUM--Variety of Eucalyptus. REDHEAD--N.S.W. name for the bird Aegintha temporalis. RED LOT--Gold watch and chain. RED 'OT--Unfair; extreme. RIBUCK--Expression of assent. RIGHTO--Exclamation of consent. RIGHT OIL--The truth; to be informed. RILE--To annoy. RINGBARK--To cut bark around the trunk so as to kill it. RINGER--The quickest shearer. RING IN--False. RING, THE DEAD--Similar; a likeness. ROLL--A number of notes. ROPEABLE--Wild; annoyed. RORTY--a rowdy. ROUGH SPIN--Bad luck. ROUSE--To upbraid. ROUSEABOUT--Jack-of-all-trades on a sheep station. RUB OUT--To disqualify. RUN AGAINST--To meet. RUN FOR THE MONEY--To be treated fairly.

S.

SALT-BUSH--Alkaline herb growing in interior. SALT JUNK--Corned beef. SANDY-BLIGHT--Kind of ophthalmia. SAVVY--Pidgin English meaning "do you understand?" SCAB--Non-union labourer. SCALER--A fraud. SCHNAPPER--Good-eating Australian fish. SCHOOL--Gathering of gamblers. SCOOT--To clear out; also continued bout of drunkenness. SCRAG--To pull about. SCRAN--Food. SCRAP--A fight. SCREW, TO--Extort. SCRUB--Country overgrown with thick bushes. SCUT--A mean person. SET--To be satisfied. SET AGAINST--To dislike a person. SET BACK--A reverse. SETTLE, TO--To ruin. SETTLER--One who takes up land. SET, TO--To brawl; to make arrangements. SHAG--A black-and-white bird which lives mostly on fish. SHANTY--Rudely built hut. SHARK--A trickster. SHEARER'S DELIGHT--Treacle. SHEILA--A young lady. SHICER--Unproductive mine; a trickster. SHICKER--To drink. SHINDY--A row. SHIRTY--Ill-tempered. SHOE-LEATHER--Boots. SHOOK--Stolen. SHOOK ON--To be friendly. SHORT OF A GALLOP--Out of condition. SHOT--To be drunk. SHOUT--To buy a drink. SHOVEL-NOSE--Species of shark. SINKER--A drunkard. SIR GARNEO, ALL--Excellent. SKIRT--A girl. SKITE--To boast. SKY THE WIPE--Surrender; to cry enough. SLAB--A piece. SLANTER--Dishonest. SLAP-UP--Good. SLATS--The ribs. SLICK--Quick. SLIP-RAIL--Part of a fence so fitted that it can be removed. SLOG--To hit heavily. SLOPE--To depart. SLOPPY--Sentimental; maudlin. SLUSH-LAMP--Bush lamp. SLUSHY--A kitchen hand. SMOOGE--To cringe; to fawn. SMOOGER--One who fawns. SNACK--A frugal meal. SNAKE JUICE--Strong drink. SNIFTER--Good. SNOB--A bootmaker. SNOUT--To regard unfavourably. SNUFF--To die. SOCK IT IN--To administer severe punishment. SO-LONG--Farewell. SOOL--To incite. SORE, TO GET--To become annoyed. SOUR, TO GET--To become discontented. SOUSED--Drunk. SOUTHERN CROSS--A constellation used as symbol of Australia. SOZZLED--Intoxicated. SPARE ME DAYS--Ejaculation of surprise. SPARROW HAWK--In colour like the sparrow, in shape and build like the ordinary hawk, and in size very little larger than a crow. SPAR, TO--To delay. SPLICED--Married. SPLITTING--Cutting timber. SPOTTED--To be seen. SPOUT--To be talkative. SPRUIKER--A speaker. SQUARE--Honest. SQUATTER--A grazier SQUEAK--To inform. SQUIB--A coward. SQUIRT--A revolver. SQUIZ--A hurried look STAND IN--To make one of a party. STAND OFF--To keep out. STATION--A sheep run and homestead. STETSON--A hat. STICK, TO--To stand by; to support. STIFF--To be unlucky. STINK--A quarrel. STOCK-HORSE--Horse used in driving cattle. STOCKMAN--One who drives stock. STOCK-WHIP--A long, plaited thong on a diminutive handle. STONKERED--To be very drunk. STOP ONE--To take a drink. STOUCH--A fight; to assault. STRENGTH OF IT--To learn the details. STRETCH--A term of imprisonment. STRIDES--Trousers. 'STRUTH--An exclamation. STUFF--Coin. SUDS--Beer. SUDS SHOP--Hotel. SUGAR--Money. SUNDOWNER--A tramp. SWAG--A tramp's bundle. SWAGMAN--A tramp. SWAP--Exchange. SWELL--Showy person. SWIG--To have a drink. SWINGIN' THE HEAD--To impose; making excuses. SWIPE--A blow. SWY--Two. SYDNEY OR THE BUSH--All or nothing.

T.

TABBY--A girl. TACKLE--To fight. TAKE 'EM ON--Engage in fight. TAKING THE KNOCK--To avoid payment. TAKE DOWN--To defraud. TAKE A TUMBLE--To be aware of. TASMANIAN DEVIL--A carnivorous burrowing marsupial, with a coarse, mostly jet black fur, and about the size of a badger. TASMANIAN TIGER--Native wolf. TATS--Teeth. TENNER--A ten-pound note. TERAGLIN--Aboriginal name for a N.S.W. fish. THROW IN THE MARBLE--To relinquish. THROWING STICK--Aboriginal weapon. TIGHT--Mean; drunk. TIME, TO DO--Term of imprisonment. TIN--Money. TIN-PLATE--A mate. TIPPLE--Alcohol. TIPSTER--Professional racecourse gambler. TOGGED--Smartly dressed. TOGS--Clothes. TOP OFF--To finish. TORTOISE--Reptile (chelonia order) with body protected by a shell. TOUCH, TO--To borrow. TOUGH LUCK--Misfortune. TOUT--A spy. TOWNSHIP--A small town. TRACK WITH--To associate in love affairs. TRAWLER--Police patrol van. TRAY BIT--Threepenny piece. TREAT--To buy for a person. TUCKERBAG--The bag in which the Sundowner carries his rations. TUG--A rogue. TURNED DOWN--Rejected. TURN UP--Good luck. TURTLE--A shell-back reptile of Chelonia order. Found in Australia. TWICER--A deceitful fellow. TWIST AND TWIRL--A girl. TWISTER--Undependable person.

U.

UMBRELLA-BUSH--A small bushy tree used for hedges. UMPTEEN--An indefinite number. UPPER CUT--An upward blow. UPPISH--Proud. UP THE SPOUT--In trouble. UP TO PUTTY--No good. UP TO US--Our duty. URGER--A fraudulent race follower.

V.

VAG, ON THE--Liable under the Vagrancy Act. VASELINE--Butter.

W.

WAD--A number of notes. WADDY--Aboriginal war implement. WAGTAIL--A small black bird with occasional white feathers, long and fan-shaped tail, which it habitually jerks about. WALLABY--Small type of Kangaroo. There are many species. WALLABY, ON THE--Carrying the swag. WALLAROO--Aboriginal name for large black Kangaroo. WALLOP--A hard hit. WARATAH--Bright crimson flower about three inches in diameter; emblematic of Australia. WARRIGAL--Aboriginal word meaning dog, also wild. WASHOUT--A failure. WATERWORKS, TO TURN ON THE--To cry. WATTLE--Species of Acacia. The national flower. WAYBACK--An Australian resident living far removed from townships and not versed in city customs. WEED--Tobacco. WELL IN--Affluent; wealthy WELSHER--A fraudulent bookmaker. WELTER, TO MAKE IT--To be excessive. WET, TO GET--Become annoyed. WHACK--Sufficiency of drink WHIP THE CAT--To regret. WILD TURKEY--A fawn-coloured bird, with full throat, resembling the domestic turkey in shape, with flesh equally palatable. WILLY-WILLY--Aboriginal name for whirlwind. WIND-BAG--Talkative person WIND-UP--Afraid WISE-HEAD--A knowing individual. WISE, TO GET--Aware of. WOMBAT--A burrowing marsupial with thick heavy body, short legs, rudimentary tail and in general form resembling a small bear. WOMERAH--Aboriginal name for a throwing stick.

Y.

YABBY--A small burrowing crawfish, found in most creeks and water-holes in Australia YACKER--Hard work. YAP--Talkative YARRAH--Aboriginal name for species of Eucalyptus. YOWLING--Weeping.

Z.

ZACK--Sixpence. ZIFF--beard.