2010s
Still common
Definition
A small, famously smiley native marsupial found mainly on Rottnest Island.
Example Sentence
"We took about fifty quokka selfies on the island."
Where "Quokka" Comes From
"Quokka" comes from the Noongar Aboriginal language of southwestern Australia, where the animal has long been known.
It became internationally famous in the 2010s thanks to viral "quokka selfie" photos taken by tourists on Rottnest Island.
How Aussies Actually Use It
It refers to the actual animal, a small wallaby-like marsupial known for its friendly, photogenic expression.
Rottnest Island (whose name literally means "rat's nest" after early Dutch explorers mistook quokkas for giant rats) remains the best place to see them.
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