Dictionary

blue gum en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

* blue + gum * (person of sub-Saharan African origin): Referring to the blue coloring around their gumline.

Meanings

1. Any of various eucalyptus trees having blueish leaves, especially Eucalyptus globulus.
   • I am hoping, maybe because I am roasting out here, that it is to accommodate some breed of shady tree. Like a bluegum or a paperbark. 2007, Craig Silvey, Jasper Jones, Allen & Unwin, published 2007, page 95:
   • Now there are five, solidly built, with concrete bases, galvanized poles and struts, and heavy-gauge mesh, shaded by young bluegum trees. 1999, JM Coetzee, Disgrace, Vintage, published 2000, page 61:
2. (offensive, slang) A person of sub-Saharan African origin.

Forms

Deriveds

round-leaved blue gum · Sydney blue gum · mountain blue gum · large-fruited blue gum · spotted blue gum · South Australian blue gum · Gippsland blue gum · Victorian blue gum · inland blue gum · Tasmanian blue gum · southern blue gum

Translations (2)

ki mũbaũ (any of various eucalyptus trees) · ca febrer (any of various eucalyptus trees)