bunyip

American  

[buhn-yip] / ˈbʌn yɪp /

noun

1. a mythical creature of Aboriginal legend said to inhabit water and watercourses.

2. an impostor.

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adjective

1. counterfeit; phony.

bunyip British  

/ ˈbʌnjɪp /

noun

1. a legendary monster said to inhabit swamps and lagoons of the Australian interior

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Etymology

Origin of bunyip

First recorded in 1840–50; from Wergaia (an Australian Aboriginal language of the Wimmera area, Victoria) banib

Example Sentences

Looking more bunyip than boxer.

From Los Angeles Times

The Insurance Council of Australia declared late on Friday the Bunyip State Park fire, Victoria’s highest-risk blaze burning east of Melbourne, a catastrophe, which gives policy-holders priority by insurers.

From Reuters

The largest fire in Bunyip State Park was sparked by multiple lightning strikes on Friday.

From Reuters

A total of 36mm of rain fell on greater Melbourne in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday, and a further 60mm was expected to fall over catchments in Yarra, Dandenong and Bunyip for the remainder of the day.

From The Guardian

This summer’s production, “The Magic Pudding,” is the story of Bunyip Bluegum the koala, Bill Barnacle the sailor and Sam Sawnoff the penguin and their magic pudding, Albert.

From Seattle Times