1880s
Still common
Definition
To deliberately say or do something to cause a stir, provoke a bit of debate, or liven things up.
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Where "Stir the Possum" Comes From
To “stir the possum” is to deliberately say or do something to cause a stir, provoke a bit of debate, or just liven things up.
It likely developed as the flip side of “play possum” — pretending to be still and quiet — with the earliest documented use found in a NSW newspaper from June 1888. It's held onto a slightly old-fashioned charm while still being widely understood today.
Example Sentence
He loves stirring the possum at family dinners with a bit of politics.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used affectionately for someone who likes stirring up a bit of harmless controversy or debate.
“Just stirring the possum” is a common way to admit you said something provocative on purpose.
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