General
larrikin
What does larrikin mean?
A person who is boisterous, cheeky and disregards convention, usually harmlessly.
"He's a lovable larrikin, always up for a laugh."
Origin
19th-century Australian/British dialect; celebrated as a national character type.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'larrikin' mean?
A larrikin is a cheeky, boisterous, fun-loving person who happily flouts convention, usually in a harmless way.
Is 'larrikin' a compliment in Australia?
Generally yes. The larrikin is a celebrated national character type and the word is often used with warmth and admiration.
Where does 'larrikin' come from?
It emerged in 19th-century Australian and British dialect and became a byword for the irreverent Aussie personality.
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