Where “Ned Kelly” Comes From
Ned Kelly (1854–1880) was a bushranger from Victoria. He and his gang killed police officers and robbed banks, and they became famous when they made suits of armour from plough parts for a final stand at Glenrowan in 1880.
Kelly was captured, tried and hanged in Melbourne on 11 November 1880. His story has been told in books, paintings and films, and his helmet is an Australian symbol.
“He’s as tough as Ned Kelly.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it in history, art and humour, and sometimes as a simile for toughness.
In Real Life
Ned Kelly is one of the most written-about figures in Australian history. Some people see him as a symbol of resistance against unfair treatment of poor settlers, and others see a violent criminal responsible for deaths. His iron helmet appears in Sidney Nolan’s famous paintings. The phrase “as game as Ned Kelly” means very brave, and “such is life”, reportedly his last words, is a famous quote.
Quick Questions
Who was Ned Kelly?
A bushranger in Victoria who was hanged in 1880 after a shootout with police at Glenrowan.
Why did he wear armour?
The gang made armour from metal to protect them from police bullets in their last stand.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: NED KEL-ee.
In conversation:
- Ned Kelly wore iron armour.
- We visited the Ned Kelly exhibit.
- Such is life, said Ned Kelly.
Good to know: Ned Kelly is a divisive figure. Some see a folk hero and others see a violent criminal who killed police officers. Both views are part of the story.
See also: Bushranger, Swaggie, Walkabout
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