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"Billy" did not originate as a slang term. A billy was a tin held over an open campfire for the purpose of boiling water. It was commonly used by outdoor workmen such as stockmen and jackaroos, and it was also used by people on the road, such as swagmen.

Nowadays, the term "boiling the billy" usually refers to a genuine billy, which many people still use when camping. Alternatively, it can mean putting the kettle on for a cup of tea.

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14y ago

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