or coo-ey, subs. (Australian).—A signal cry of the Australian blackfellow, adopted by the invading whites. The final ‘e’ is a very high note, a sort of prolonged screech, that resounds for miles through the bush, and thus enables parties that have lost each other to ascertain their relative positions.
1883. Graphic, July 7, p. 6, col. 3. COO-E-E is the Australian cry for help. When the two hands are used, and the COO properly pitched, it can be heard a wonderful distance. Whenever a COO-E-E is heard in the bush it is a matter of conscience to answer it and see what is amiss.
1887. G. L. APPERSON, in All the Year Round, 30 July, p. 67, col. 1. A common mode of expression is to be ‘within COOEY’ of a place. Originally, no doubt, this meant to be within the distance at which the well-known COOEY or bush cry, could be heard; now it simply means within easy reach of a place. To be ‘within COOEY’ of Sydney is to be at the distance of an easy journey therefrom.
1889. E. S. RAWSON, In Australian Wilds. ‘A Queensland Mystery.’ It is solely on this, or the mad theory, that one could account for the startling effects of Jim’s COOEE or otherwise to the belated wanderer it would have been a revelation of joy and rescue.
