Words & TermsWork, bush and rural life
old chum
Historically, an experienced colonist or long-term resident, contrasted with a new chum.
In a sentence
In this historical or contextual use, “old chum” means historically, an experienced colonist or long-term resident, contrasted with a new chum.
Where it came from
Colonial Australian sources explicitly contrast old chum with new chum; the pair ultimately traces to convict-era usage.
- Initial era
- 1800–1899
- Where used
- Australian use; no narrower regional pattern established