Ned Kelly

noun4

1. •
   (Australia, slang) A figure or person akin to the iconic Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, typically denoting someone with audacious recklessness or morally questionable business dealings, or who opposes or defies authority.

   • It [sc. smoking] will have the joy of the excitement, and the uncertainty of bushranging with a suggestion of Ned Kelly about it — and every boy is at heart a Ned Kelly. — 1904
2. •
   (Australia, slang) An instance of behaviour that exemplifies such characteristics.

   • Mr. Bizzell said the council offered him £740 for 74 perches of land... 'They are just Ned Kellys,’ he said. 'They certainly won't put it back on the market without making a handsome profit.' — 1974
3. •
   (Australia, slang) A figure or person who, like Ned Kelly, shows great bravery, daring, tenacity, or ferocity.

   • He had all the ferocity of a Ned Kelly, am bullets and blood were to him nectar and ambrosia. — 1885
4. •
   (slang) The belly. Often shortened to Ned.