bunyip

[ buhn-yip ]

/ ˈbʌn yɪp /

Australian

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

an impostor.

counterfeit; phony.

Origin of bunyip

1840–50; < Wergaia (Australian Aboriginal language of the Wimmera area, Victoria) banib

The plain truth was that Bunyip and his Uncle lived in a small house in a tree, and there was no room for the whiskers.

The Magic Pudding |Norman Lindsay
And I thought I had found the back of beyond, where I would never see anyone more civilized than a bunyip!

A Little Bush Maid |Mary Grant Bruce
When that was done, Bill stood up and made a speech to Bunyip Bluegum.

The Magic Pudding |Norman Lindsay
The bunyip is represented as living in lakes and marshes, but it has never been seen by any trustworthy observer.

Peeps At Many Lands: Australia |Frank Fox

"I thought that your good old Bunyip would look in on us before long," said Courtland.

Phyllis of Philistia |Frank Frankfort Moore

bunyip

/ (ˈbʌnjɪp) /

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

C19: from a native Australian language