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dowak

An Australian Aboriginal term for a non-returning throwstick — a flat, curved wooden implement used for hunting.

ˈdaʊək140 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
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Definitions

Australia
#1·Apr 28, 2026AUS

An Australian Aboriginal term for a non-returning throwstick — a flat, curved wooden implement used for hunting. Unlike a boomerang, a dowak is not designed to return to the thrower. It is an authentic item from Australian Indigenous culture, used in hunting and sometimes warfare.

The museum display included several dowaks alongside the better-known boomerangs, with explanatory notes on their different uses.
Origin: From an Australian Aboriginal language; a non-returning hunting throwstick distinct from a boomerang. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
For parents

Dowak means: An Australian Aboriginal term for a non-returning throwstick - a flat, curved wooden implement used for hunting. Unlike a boomerang, a dowak is not designed to return to the thrower. It is an. It is mainly Australian English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour.

For ESL learners

dowak means: An Australian Aboriginal term for a non-returning throwstick - a flat, curved wooden implement used for hunting. Unlike a boomerang, a dowak is not designed to return to the. Register: informal, Australian English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

Cluster: authentic
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Australia
#2·Apr 27, 2026AUS

(Australian) A non-returning throwstick.

Cluster: general
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For specific readers

Dowak means: An Australian Aboriginal term for a non-returning throwstick - a flat, curved wooden implement used for hunting. Unlike a boomerang, a dowak is not designed to return to the thrower. It is an. It is mainly Australian English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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Australia

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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang

Aussie and Kiwi vocabulary — bogan, daggy, brekkie, sheila, bach, jandals — the whole Antipodean lexicon, including outback dialect, surf and beach culture, and Sydney/Melbourne street slang.

See all Australian & NZ slang slang on Slangora.

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