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General

cobber

What does cobber mean?

A good friend; now somewhat old-fashioned.

"G'day cobber, long time no see."

Origin

Possibly from British dialect 'cob' (to take a liking to) or Yiddish 'chaber' (comrade).

Frequently asked questions

What does 'cobber' mean?
A cobber is a close friend or mate. The word is now considered fairly old-fashioned.
Where does 'cobber' come from?
Its origin is uncertain, possibly from the British dialect 'cob' meaning to take a liking to someone, or the Yiddish 'chaber' meaning comrade.
Do Australians still say 'cobber'?
Rarely in everyday speech. It sounds dated now and is more associated with older generations or nostalgic Aussie caricatures.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.