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rock ape


school slang, circa 1970's early 1970's Canberra; similar to Bogan; implied lack of class or style in dress and lack of sophisitication in manners: His behaviour is to be expected, he's a rock ape.

Contributor's comments: [Central West Australia informant] An operator in the mining industry who works in the process plant.

Contributor's comments: Rock ape is used in the Pilbara iron ore mining industry to describe ore processing operators. This term of endearment may have been derived from the skills set required to carry out the duties of one such operator. Dealing with big cumbersome machines dumping and reclaining iron ore rocks for export.