antipodeans
|an-ti-pe-di-an-s|
/ˌæn.tɪˈpiː.di.ənz/
(antipodean)
from/opposite side of the world (esp. Australia/New Zealand)
Etymology
'antipodean' originates from English, formed from 'antipodes' + adjectival suffix '-ean', where 'antipodes' comes from Greek elements meaning 'opposite' and 'foot'.
'antipodean' developed from the noun 'antipodes' (from Greek 'antipodes' meaning 'opposite feet') into the adjective/noun 'antipodean' in modern English to describe people or things of the antipodes; usage in English dates from the 17th–18th centuries as travel and geographical vocabulary expanded.
Initially tied strictly to the literal idea of 'opposite feet' or the opposite point on the globe; over time it came to mean broadly 'from the opposite side of the world' and informally 'from Australia or New Zealand'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who lives on the opposite side of the Earth from another place; someone from the antipodes.
Many British sailors once called Australians and New Zealanders 'antipodeans' because they came from the opposite side of the world.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically (especially in British use) a person from Australia or New Zealand.
Antipodeans often have a distinct accent that British people recognize immediately.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the antipodes; situated on or relating to the opposite side of the Earth; (informal) relating to Australia or New Zealand.
Travel writers often comment on antipodeans culture when comparing lifestyles between Europe and the southern hemisphere.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/07 08:39