cobber

Etymology

Uncertain. Perhaps from Yiddish חבֿר (khaver, “friend, comrade”), from Hebrew חבר (khavér, “friend”), possibly via Dutch gabber, perhaps from the British dialectal term cob (“take a liking to”).., or a conflation of both. 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.

noun

1. (Australia) A pal, buddy, mate, friend; often used in direct address by one male to another.
   What's up, cobber?
   G'day cobber!
   “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.” 1953, Nevil Shute, In the Wet, published 2010, unnumbered page
   He was the first member of our forces we had seen for five months. “Hi ya, cobber,” muttered Don. 1955, Charles McCormac, “You′ll Die in Singapore!”, page 181
   A voice from out of nowhere challenged: “Who is going away cobber?” “Bob!” I shouted. “Boy, am I glad to see you ... Where the hell have you been, my dear bloody cobber?” 2009, George W. Adams, Under the Southern Cross, page 137
2. (Australia) A sweet consisting of a small block of hard caramel covered in chocolate.