Akubra

English

Etymology

A man wearing an Akubra

Proprietary name, of unknown origin. Sometimes said (without any apparent evidence) to be from an Australian Aboriginal language (Birrpayi [Term?]).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /əˈkuːbɹə/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

Akubra (plural Akubras)

1. (Australia, sometimes attributive) A brand of Australian hat, especially a broad-brimmed model similar to a fedora, traditionally worn by Australian stockmen. [from 20th c.]

   Synonym: Akubra hat

   • 1996, Janette Turner Hospital, Oyster, paperback edition, Virago Press, page 61:

     He had to hold his Akubra at a rakish angle to keep from being blinded by the light.

   • 2004, Heather Campbell, Dear Hearts and Gentle People‎^[1], page 59:

     Frank was wearing the large akubra (cowhand hat) that we had bought for our son and toting both carry-on bags. […] We both looked back to see Frank trying to run with a heavy bag in each hand and yet not lose the akubra perched on his head.

   • 2007, Slim Dusty, Joy McKean, Another Day, Another Town, page 272:

     It was alright for a while, then I got the message that I wasn't quite the real Slim Dusty without my Akubra, so I put the old Sundowner back where it belonged.

Derived terms

• Akubra hat

Anagrams

• Abruka, Abukar