1800s
Still common
Definition
A stinging blue jellyfish-like creature found on Australian beaches.
Example Sentence
"Watch out for bluebottles, there's heaps washed up today."
Where "Bluebottle" Comes From
"Bluebottle" describes the Portuguese man o' war-like creature by its bright blue, gas-filled float, common on Australian beaches after onshore winds.
The name has been used in Australian English since colonial times.
How Aussies Actually Use It
It refers specifically to the stinging sea creature, a common and painful hazard for beachgoers, especially in summer.
Lifesavers often flag beaches or warn swimmers when bluebottles are washing ashore in numbers.
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