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# the dunny

phrase (noun phrase, «the dunny»; a dunny, dunnies)

«the dunny» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (slang, Australia, New Zealand) the toilet, especially an old outdoor toilet in a small shed.
2. (Australia) any toilet.

### In the lessons

An everyday, slightly jokey Australian word; it sounds rural and down-to-earth. It avoids «toilet» by using a homely slang word. Heard in outback stories, jokes and casual family talk; not used in formal writing.

### Examples

- (Australia) The old dunny is out the back, past the chook pen.
- "Where's Dad?" "In the dunny, reading the paper."
- (story) There was a huge spider in the dunny!
- (chat) back in 5 gotta hit the dunny
- (camp) The campsite only has a long-drop dunny.
- Grandad built the dunny himself out of tin and wood.
- (joke) Watch out for redbacks under the dunny seat.

### Note

Trap: Australian and New Zealand slang; Americans may not know it. Casual, fine with family, not in a formal letter. Plural: dunnies. Same meaning as «loo» (UK) or «john» (US).