"I know many a larrikiness to whose voice I could listen by the hour with all my heart, without the least fear of her stealing it, even if it were worth the trouble."
1892. Gilbert Parker, `Round the Compass in Australia,' p. 224:
"I have not found the larrikin [in Brisbane]. . . . The slouch-hat, the rakish jib, the drawn features are not to be seen; nor does the young larrikiness—that hideous outgrowth of Sydney and Melbourne civilization—exist as a class."
<hw>Larrikinism</hw>, <i>n</i>. the conduct of <i>larrikins</i> (q.v.).
1870. `The Australian' (Richmond, Victoria), Sept. 10, p. 3, col. 3:
"A slight attempt at `larrikinism' was manifested. . . . "
1871. J. J. Simpson, `Recitations and Rhymes,' p. 17:
"Melbourne larrikinism is still very bad,
By the papers each day we are told."
1875. `Spectator' (Melbourne), June 19, p. 80, col. 2:
"He took as his theme the `Dialect of Victoria,' which was coarse and vulgar to a degree. `Larrikinism' was used as a synonym for `blackguardism.'"