cobber: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, slang, chiefly historical and regional.
Quick answer
What does “cobber” mean?
A close male friend.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A close male friend; mate.
A term of address for a man (often used as a friendly greeting). Historically, a working-class comrade, especially in rural Australia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is quintessentially Australian and is not part of standard British or American English vocabulary. It may be understood contextually but not actively used.
Connotations
In Australian English, it is a warm, colloquial term. For British and American speakers, it evokes a stereotypical image of Australia and might be used playfully or ironically to sound Australian.
Frequency
Extremely rare in the UK and the US outside of specific Australian cultural references or attempts to mimic Australian speech.
Grammar
How to Use “cobber” in a Sentence
How are you, ~? (Vocative)my ~ (Possessive + noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cobber” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in historical or linguistic analysis of Australian culture.
Everyday
Exclusively in Australian English, informal and somewhat dated. Used between close male friends.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cobber”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it outside of Australia without ironic intent.
- Applying it to female friends.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its common usage has declined significantly since the mid-20th century. The word 'mate' is now overwhelmingly more common. 'Cobber' is considered old-fashioned but is still understood and may be used nostalgically or for humorous effect.
No, traditionally 'cobber' refers specifically to a male friend. It is gendered language rooted in historical male social bonds. Using it for a woman would be very unusual and potentially confusing.
The etymology is uncertain but widely accepted theories suggest it derives from the British dialect verb 'to cob' meaning 'to take a liking to someone', or from Yiddish 'chaber' meaning 'comrade' or 'friend', brought to Australia by immigrants.
Generally, no. As a non-Australian, using such a culturally specific and dated term can sound unnatural or like you are parodying Australians. It's safer to use the universal and current term 'mate', which is universally accepted and used.
A close male friend.
Cobber is usually informal, slang, chiefly historical and regional. in register.
Cobber: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒb.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.bɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fair dinkum cobber”
- “my old cobber”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two Australian "cobblers" fixing shoes together and becoming lifelong friends. A 'cobber' is your mate, like a cobbler is to a shoe – they stick together.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIENDSHIP IS SOLIDARITY (of men working together).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary contemporary use of 'cobber'?