bull-puncher

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

or bullock-puncher


,n.

slang for a bullockdriver. According to Barrere andLeland's `Slang Dictionary,' the word has a somewhat differentmeaning in America, where it means a drover. See Punch.

1872. C. N. Eden, `My Wife and I in Queensland,' p. 49:

«The `bull-puncher,' as bullock-drivers are familiarly called.»

1873. J. Mathew, song `Hawking,' in `Queenslander,' Oct. 4:

«The stockmen and the bushmen and the shepherds leave the station,

And the hardy bullock-punchers throw aside their occupation.»

1889. Cassell's `Picturesque Australasia,' vol. iv. p. 143:

«These teams would comprise from five to six pairs of bullockseach, and were driven by a man euphoniously termed a`bull-puncher.' Armed with a six-foot thong, fastened to asupple stick seven feet long. . . .»

Related Words