Meaning of wood and water joey | Babel Free

Definitions

A person who performs odd jobs; a rouseabout or handyperson.

Australia, dated

Examples

“I have known a case where a gentleman, since the Premier of a neighbouring colony, recommended to the Government of which I was a member the appointment of two persons at New England, one of whom was, we were afterwards told, what is called a wood and water joey in a squatter's employment, and the other was a shepherd.”

“"A wood and water joey"! The prospect of such a career for their son is not alluring to many a town father and mother, and hence their reluctance to permit the boy to take a job in the country even though he may feel the call of the land.”

“As 'wood and water joey,' he was responsible for supplying wood for the fire and water for the camp.”

“After the campaign commenced Bennett was determined that the AIF would take an active part in the defence of Malaya and not become just a collection of 'wood and water joeys' for the British.”

CEFR level