General
the bush
What does the bush mean?
Rural or wild country away from towns and cities.
"They live way out in the bush."
Origin
From Dutch 'bosch' via South African English; core Australian usage.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'the bush' mean in Australia?
The bush refers to the rural, natural or wild countryside away from towns and cities, from bushland to remote farming country.
What's the difference between 'the bush' and 'the outback'?
The bush is any rural or wild country including near settled areas, while the outback specifically means the vast, arid, remote interior of the continent.
Where does the word 'bush' come from?
It traces back to the Dutch word 'bosch' (woodland), which reached Australian English via South African English and became a core Aussie term for wild country.
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