larrikiness

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

n.


a female larrikin.

1871. `Collingwood Advertiser and Observer,' June 22, p. 3,col. 5:

«Evidence was tendered as to the manner of life led by theselarikinesses . . . The juvenile larrikin element beingstrongly represented in court, all the boys were ordered out.»

1871. Sir George Stephen, Q.C., `Larrikinism,' a Lecturereported in `Prahran Telegraph,' Sept. 23, p. 3, col. 1:

«I know many a larrikiness to whose voice I could listen bythe hour with all my heart, without the least fear of herstealing it, even if it were worth the trouble.»

1892. Gilbert Parker, `Round the Compass in Australia,'p. 224:

«I have not found the larrikin [in Brisbane]. . . . Theslouch-hat, the rakish jib, the drawn features are not to beseen; nor does the young larrikiness – – that hideous outgrowthof Sydney and Melbourne civilization – – exist as a class.»