Ned Kelly

plural Ned Kellys

1. AustraliaslangA figure or person akin to the iconic Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, typically denoting someone with audacious recklessness or morally questionable business dealings, or who opposes or defies authority.

   It [sc. smoking] will have the joy of the excitement, and the uncertainty of bushranging with a suggestion of Ned Kelly about it — and every boy is at heart a Ned Kelly.

   1904 March 11, The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express, NSW, page 15, column 2

2. AustraliaslangAn instance of behaviour that exemplifies such characteristics.

   Mr. Bizzell said the council offered him £740 for 74 perches of land... 'They are just Ned Kellys,’ he said. 'They certainly won't put it back on the market without making a handsome profit.'

   1974 August 20, The Courier-Mail, Brisbane, page 12, column 5

3. AustraliaslangA figure or person who, like Ned Kelly, shows great bravery, daring, tenacity, or ferocity.

   He had all the ferocity of a Ned Kelly, am bullets and blood were to him nectar and ambrosia.

   1885 June 6, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW, page 7, column 4

   2 more examples

   Such "preparedness" that immunity from danger can best be found, "One sword keeps another in the scabbard," and even a Ned Kelly would fight shy of the man who had a loaded rifle always at hand and who knew how to use it.

   1884 October 4, The Ballarat Courier, Vic, page 1, column 1

   John Clare's pilot [sc. jockey] is not a Ned Kelly. When interfered with in the 14.2 at Rosebery he took no risks of coming down, and almost pulled the John O'Lorne gelding up until in a clear position.

   1919 October 24, The Newsletter, Sydney, page 1, column 3

4. slangThe belly. Often shortened to Ned.