1950s
Still common
Definition
To be treated unfairly, or to come off worst in a deal.
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Where "The Rough End of the Pineapple" Comes From
To get “the rough end of the pineapple” is to be treated unfairly, or to come off worst in a deal.
It's usually called a classic Australian idiom, first documented in print in Ray Lawler's 1961 play The Piccadilly Bushman — but a bit of digging turns up an American newspaper using the exact same phrase back in 1954, so where it truly started is genuinely up for debate.
Example Sentence
He always gets the rough end of the pineapple when it comes to rostering.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used whenever someone feels hard done by, especially in a deal, a roster, or a decision that favours someone else.
“Typical, I got the rough end of the pineapple again” is a common, mildly resigned complaint.
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