gum-sucker

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

n.


slang for Victorian-born, notnow much used; but it is not always limited to Victorians.

1827. P. Cunningham, `Two Years in New South Wales,'vol. i. p. 201:

«The acacias are the common wattles of this country; from theirtrunks and branches clear transparent beads of the purestArabian gum are seen suspended in the dry spring weather, whichour young currency bantlings eagerly search after and regalethemselves with.»

[The practice of `gum-sucking' is here noticed, though the word doesnot occur.]

1855. W. Howitt, `Two Years in Victoria,' vol. i. p. 24:

«If he had not been too 'cute to be bitten twice by theover – 'cute `gumsuckers,' as the native Victorians are called.»

1890. `Quiz `(Adelaide), Dec. 26:

«Quiz will take good care that the innocent Australians are notfooled without a warning. Really L. and his accomplices mustlook upon gumsuckers as being pretty soft.»

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