different between cobber vs playfellow

English

Etymology

Origin unknown. Perhaps from Yiddish ????? (khaver, “comrade”), which is borrowed from Hebrew ???? (khavér, “friend”), or, perhaps from the British dialectal term cob (“take a liking to”).. The suggestion that it is a self-referential collective term for convicts and immigrants who departed for Australian shores from the Irish port of Cobh seems chronologically unlikely.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?k?b.?(?)/
• Rhymes: -?b?(?)

Noun

cobber (plural cobbers)

1. (Australia) A pal, buddy, mate, friend; often used in direct address by one male to another.

   What's up, cobber?

   G'day cobber!

   • 1953, Nevil Shute, In the Wet, 2010, unnumbered page,

     “He?s a good cobber, even if he is the parson,” he said at last. “He?s a good cobber.”

     “That?s right,” said Jim patiently. “He?s a good cobber, and he?s the parson. Now you buzz off and leave him be. We?ve got business to talk here.”
2. (Australia) A sweet consisting of a small block of hard caramel covered in chocolate.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:friend

Translations

References

1. Australian National Dictionary Centre » Meanings and origins of Australian words and idioms » C

English

Etymology

play +? fellow

Noun

playfellow (plural playfellows)

1. (dated) playmate; companion for someone (especially children) to play with.
   • 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

     "I’ve brought you a new playfellow," the Fairy said. "You must be very kind to him and teach him all he needs to know in Rabbitland, for he is going to live with you for ever and ever!"

   • 1912: Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan of the Apes, Chapter 5

     Now she was within ten feet of the two unsuspecting little playfellows--carefully she drew her hind feet well up beneath her body, the great muscles rolling under the beautiful skin.

   • 1847, Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, chapter XIX:

     "Linton is just six months younger than I am, {...} How delightful it will be to have him for a playfellow!"