back-blocks
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Remote, sparsely populated inland areas: "back-blocks" refers to regions in a country, especially Australia and New Zealand, that are far from cities or coastal areas and are often undeveloped or wilderness.
- Isolated rural land: The term specifically describes land that is distant from modern amenities and infrastructure, typically used for grazing or farming.
Usage Examples
- (They relocated to a remote, rural area for farming.)
- (Essential goods are scarce in the isolated inland regions.)
Advanced Usage
"out in the back-blocks": a phrase meaning being in a very remote or backward area.
- He grew up out in the back-blocks, far from any town. (He was raised in an extremely isolated location.)
"the back-blocks of the mind": a metaphorical use meaning deep, hidden, or primitive thoughts.
- Her memories were buried in the back-blocks of her consciousness. (Her recollections were hidden in the deepest, most inaccessible part of her mind.)
Variants and Related Words
- Backblocker (noun): a person who lives in or comes from the back-blocks.
- The backblocker was proud of his self-sufficient lifestyle. (The remote dweller valued his independence.)
Synonyms
- Outback: the remote, usually arid interior of Australia.
- Bush: wild, undeveloped countryside, especially in Australia or Africa.
- Hinterland: the areas beyond a coastal or river settlement.
Related Idioms
- In the sticks: a colloquial term meaning in a remote rural area.
- They live in the sticks, hours from the nearest hospital. (They reside in an isolated place, far from services.)