The spelling of the word "backblocks" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /ˈbæk.blɒks/. The first syllable "back" is pronounced with the short "a" sound /æ/ and the second syllable "blocks" is pronounced with the long "o" sound /ɒ/. The spelling of the word is derived from its literal meaning of remote rural areas or the outskirts of a town or city. It is commonly used in Australian and New Zealand English.
Backblocks is a term used in various English-speaking countries, primarily Australia and New Zealand, to refer to remote, rural areas located far away from major towns or cities. It is most commonly used to describe regions that are characterized by their isolation, limited infrastructure, and sparse population. The term "backblocks" typically carries a connotation of being distant and difficult to access, often implying a certain degree of hardship or ruggedness associated with life in these areas.
In the backblocks, the primary industries are often centered around agriculture, mining, or forestry. These regions may have less developed services and amenities, such as limited healthcare facilities, schools, or public transportation, in comparison to more urbanized areas. As a result, residents of the backblocks often have to travel long distances to access essential services and facilities.
Historically, the term "backblocks" originated in the context of colonial settlement, with European settlers often pushing into the hinterlands in search of land to cultivate or mine. Over time, it has come to represent the vast and sparsely populated regions that lie beyond the more densely populated urban centers. The backblocks exemplify a sense of rural living, isolation, and a connection to the land that is often associated with a simpler and more self-sufficient way of life.
The word "backblocks" is derived from Australian English, specifically 19th-century colonial Australian terminology. It is believed to have originated from the phrase "back country" or "back regions", meaning the remote or isolated areas away from major cities or town centers. The term "blocks" might refer to the large blocks of land or the sections of land that were used in the division and settlement of colonial Australia. Over time, "backblocks" evolved and became a commonly used term to describe rural or remote areas, particularly in Australian and New Zealand English.