Backblocks

/ˈbækblɑks/ noun

Definition

Remote, undeveloped rural areas, especially in Australia and New Zealand, far from cities and towns.

Etymology

Australian and New Zealand English compound of 'back' and 'blocks' (divisions of land). Emerged in the 19th century as settlers pushed into interior regions beyond cleared blocks of farmland.

Kelly Says

Australian outback pioneers used this term to describe the vast unexplored interior—'the backblocks' literally meant the blocks of land behind civilization where kangaroos outnumbered people!

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