Jack the Painter

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


very strong bush-tea, socalled from the mark it leaves round the drinker's mouth.

1855. G. C. Mundy, `Our Antipodes,' p. 163:

«Another notorious ration tea of the bush is called Jack thePainter – – a very green tea indeed, its viridity evidentlyproduced by a discreet use of the copper drying-pans in itsmanufacture.»

1878. `The Australian,' vol. i. p. 418:

«The billy wins, and `Jack the Painter' tea

Steams on the hob, from aught like fragrance free.»

1880. Garnet Walch, `Victoria in 1880,' p. 113

«Special huts had to be provided for them [the sundowners],where they enjoyed eleemosynary rations of mutton, damper,and `Jack the Painter.'»

Related Words