bush telegraph

noun

1. any system of communication in which the natives of a jungle or bush region transmit news rapidly, as by runners, drum codes, or smoke signals.

2. Australian.

   1. any chain of communications by which criminals, originally bushrangers, are warned of police movements.

   2. Slang.,  rumor; the grapevine.

bush telegraph

noun

1. a means of communication between primitive peoples over large areas, as by drum beats

2. a means of spreading rumour, gossip, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of bush telegraph¹

First recorded in 1875–80