Think you know the meaning of blue? Dive into the uniquely Australian twist on blue and bluey, where redheads rule, dogs herd, and a simple word paints a whole culture. Uncover the surprising and spirited meanings behind Australia’s favorite shades of slang!
Redheads
Bluey is an affectionate nickname used for red-haired individuals. It has been widely popularized through cultural references and media, including the iconic blue heeler pup in the beloved children's television series, “Bluey.” This usage underscores the affection and camaraderie typical in Australian social interactions, where a nickname often serves as a term of endearment rather than just a tag.
Aussie Slang
In Aussie slang, blue can also mean a fight or an argument. Having a blue can describe anything from a minor disagreement to a more significant quarrel. This usage likely derives from the phrase "blue murder," which British settlers brought to Australia, referring to loud, chaotic disputes.
Humping Bluey
Bluey may be used as term for a swagman’s bedroll - a blanket, rolled up into a neat roll with all his worldly goods inside. The term to hump your bluey means to wander the countryside, carrying your swag. (Bluey refers to the favored blue color of cloth blankets used in the bedrolls; swagman refers to a tramp or hobo; and swag is applied to a person’s gait as they carry something, swaying along).
Cultural Icon
Bluey, beyond nicknames and hair color, also represents a cultural icon in Australian history. The 'Bluey' comic strip by Norman Lindsay (a famous Australian artist), which ran during World War I, featured a character named Bluey, a typical Aussie soldier with a maverick attitude, reinforcing the down-to-earth, irreverent Australian stereotype.
Everyday Language
Australians might also use blue to describe a mistake or error in everyday situations, as in a blue day when things don’t go as planned. This casual incorporation of the term into various aspects of life highlights the versatility of the language and the Australian penchant for not taking things too seriously.
Australian Blue Heeler
On a more literal note, blue heeler dogs are a distinctively Australian breed, known formally as the Australian Cattle Dog. These hardworking dogs are loyal and intelligent, with a mottled blue coat that gives them their name. They're a farmer's best friend and an integral part of rural Australian life.
More
Bluey also may be used when referring to an Australian ten dollar note, a heavy wool jacket worn by miners, a legal summons from the police, a bluebottle jellyfish (Portuguese man o’war) or a blue-tongued lizard.
Conclusion
From nicknames and TV shows to expressions and everyday language, blue and bluey are integral to the Australian lexicon, each iteration of the term offering a glimpse into the country's unique culture and sense of humor.
So next time you hear blue or bluey down under, look beyond the color and into the heart of Aussie culture.
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