Ned Kelly

English Etymology From the historical figure Ned Kelly. Noun s en slang chiefly AU A figure or person akin to the iconic Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, typically denoting someone with audacious recklessness or morally questionable business dealings, or who opposes or defies authority. en 1904-03-11 The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express NSW 15 2 It [sc. smoking] will have the joy of the excitement, and the uncertainty of bushranging with a suggestion of Ned Kelly about it — and every boy is at heart a Ned Kelly. en slang chiefly AU An instance of behaviour that exemplifies such characteristics. en 1974-08-20 The Courier-Mail Brisbane 12 5 Mr. Bizzell said the council offered him £740 for 74 perches of land... 'They are just Ned Kellys,’ he said. 'They certainly won't put it back on the market without making a handsome profit.' en slang chiefly AU A figure or person who, like Ned Kelly, shows great bravery, daring, tenacity, or ferocity. en 1884-10-04 The Ballarat Courier Vic 1 1 Such "preparedness" that immunity from danger can best be found, "One sword keeps another in the scabbard," and even a Ned Kelly would fight shy of the man who had a loaded rifle always at hand and who knew how to use it. en 1885-06-06 The Sydney Morning Herald NSW 7 4 He had all the ferocity of a Ned Kelly, am bullets and blood were to him nectar and ambrosia. en 1919-10-24 The Newsletter Sydney 1 3 John Clare's pilot [sc. jockey] is not a Ned Kelly. When interfered with in the 14.2 at Rosebery he took no risks of coming down, and almost pulled the John O'Lorne gelding up until in a clear position. en belly, in Cockney rhyming slang en rhyming slang originally AU The belly. Often shortened to Ned. Derived terms en game as Ned Kelly before one can say Ned Kelly gamer than Ned Kelly in more strife than Ned Kelly Ned Kelly beard