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walkabout

walkabout

4 9.3
A temporary journey into the bush by an Aboriginal person to connect with traditions
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔːkəˌbaʊt/
  • Australian
translation icon : caminata espiritual
  • The young man embarked on a traditional walkabout to discover his place within the tribe and the land.
  • go walkabout

Examples

  • As part of his cultural heritage, he participated in a walkabout, immersing himself in the wilderness for personal growth.

  • My grandfather, King George-- he take'em me walkabout, teach me blackfella way.

  • And I'll tell you what I learned in a long walkabout with an aborigine out in the outback.

  • He discussed the Australian Aboriginal walkabout, when young men were expected to go into the wilderness, fend for themselves, cleanse themselves of youthful expectations, and open themselves to the wisdom and responsibilities of adulthood.

    Blog text (15)
  • During his walkabout in the bush, he sought spiritual renewal and connection with nature.

Antonyms

336 1.0

Be at home and not go out

1 3.2

Life in a city with a fast pace, many people, and many shops and services

How Spiritual

pilgrimage
60 4.9
walkabout
  • Australian
4 9.3
to hike
120 2.0
stroll
92 1.2

Surface Forms

walkabout singular
walkabouts plural

Morphology

walkabout = walk (opaque) = about + walk

Although formed from 'walk' + 'about', the sense refers to a culturally specific rite and spiritual journey that learners cannot infer from the components alone. [Postprocessing: moved 'about' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Walkabout comes from Australian Aboriginal practice for a long 'walk' into the bush, often taken for spiritual reasons or as a rite of passage. That's why in that culture a walkabout is a traditional journey to reconnect with land, culture, and ancestors.