English

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Etymology 1

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From the historical figure Ned Kelly

Noun

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Ned Kelly (plural Ned Kellys)

  1. (slang, chiefly Austrailian) A figure akin to Ned Kelly, typically denoting someone with audacious recklessness or morally questionable business dealings; (also) an instance of behavior that exemplifies such characteristics.
    • Mr. Bizzell said the council offered him £740 for 74 perches of land... 'They are just Ned Kellys,’ he said. 'They certainly won't put it back on the market without making a handsome profit.' (1974 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 20 August 12/5)
  2. (Cockney rhyming slang) Belly. Often shortened to Ned.