Language of the Victorian Gold Rush

Today we're going to look back to the early days of alluvial digging in the victorian goldfields, and I'm gonna share some of the terms used which were commonplace back then, but today almost totally out of use.

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Images - My own toons, State Library Victoria, National Library Australia, National Museum Australia, Geological Survey Victoria, Eurekapedia

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[Askjeffwilliams]

old Slim knew most of these terms but you got us with a few we have not heard before ....thanks and another great vid.

[janewray-mccann]

Much of the terminology used by the early 1850 chums explains the origin of the Aussie lingo and dry humour. My favourite is Ballarat puffer, used to describe diggers who threw in the towel after a couple of weeks and headed back to Melbourne to find easier work on the wharves or road gangs. Great story telling as always Michele. I am all puffed out just listening, huge amount of work by you.

[michaeloneill]

Teaching an old prospector great stuff again thanks Michelle😊❤

[codyhall]

Love these videos, keep them coming most informative YouTube channel on YouTube when it comes to this topic

[andypandyAU.]

Your passion for the goldrush history shines through in every post, love learning from you.
I am a lover of aussie history, and you make it easy to be informed.
❤it no wo der your channel is growing so well, it's a credit to you and your passion

[kieran_ciaran_hanley]

Incredibly interesting information. Thanks!

[stewartcorkill]

Always interesting and informative. Thanks

[jonathanmillichip]

I've been watching a lot of your videos and i absolutely love them, love how you put so much detail into each video without dribbling crap, its all facts, i do a hell of a lot of reading through google and books, i wish i had come across your vidios sooner as it would have saved me a lot of time 😂😂 keep up the good work

[norsehall]

G'day, many for those terms and names are now seen on maps road signs and place names dotted around the Goldfields of Victoria and Australia more broadly, my favourite is Pegleg Road near were l live, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

[wimmeraparanormal]

'Shepherds' also kept watch over claims when the party's other members went off to other rushes. If the new rush was better, the shepherd would join them.

[I.Liveoldcars.prospecting]

Very interesting. I love this history

[kaynefryday]

You definitely know your stuff, good job 👍

[newtimergold]

It's taken me all this year in my spare time to finish an exploration shaft by hand on a particular field.
At approximately 10 feet just under the shallow iron gravels there is nuggets in the clay underlying those gravels.
There is nothing until about 16-17ft where there is a false pipeclay layer.
Below that is the bedrock approximately 23 ft, the gold is better in the upper false bottom.
All Eluvial ground, angular and zero evidence of hydro transportation.
You should come and film your decent, experience your illustrations..

[robertfraser]

Some of the terms apply right now to parts of the business community and their sharp practises 😂😂

[ryanfenech]

I always wonded why my pa called my nan "you silly old duffer" when she'd done something silly.

[darylcarter]

So informative, very clever woman ❤ still in love .