Talk:bush week

African origin; slang referring to strange behaviour
The term 'bush week' possibly derives from the colonisation of Africa by the British. Bush week describes the period of 'cooling off' or readjustment to 'western' society after a long period of time spent in the wilderness (or bush) either alone or in the company of native populations. During the period of readjustment which became known as bush week, a person was forgiven for his eccentric/extravagant behaviour (or at least it was overlooked) after which he was expected to return to normal social behaviour. The term 'bush week' often used in Australia, in fact refers to highly unusual actions by an individual hence the phrase 'What do you think it is, bush week?'.

It is believed that the term migrated to Australia with soldiers returning from the Boer War and hence its usage dates to the mid-latter 19th century.


 * I don't know about the origin, but I would agree that upon observing someone doing something odd, a remark could be made, "What is this, bush week?" DIV (1.145.63.208 05:33, 25 May 2023 (UTC))