She frowned with miscomprehension, “What did you say?”
“It’s not within Cooee of here,” I repeated. “In fact, you have to go south of the river to find it.”
“That word …Cuey?… I’ve not heard that before.”
It occurred to me that another word of our unique vernacular might be on its way out.
Pity. It’s very useful and expressive. Especially if you are lost or wanting to tell others where you are. The first European settlers of this land learned it from the local indigenous folk around Botany Bay. It’s not so much a word but a high pitched call meant to carry maximum distance over the airways – thus the context of my remark.
Anyhow, heres a demo…
Wondering Pilgrim 
My mother said it all the time – she was born in Sydney, married my Dad and moved to NZ. You are right – I don’t hear it much any more.
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Time to revive it I reckon! Must try it next time in I’m in Woolworths looking for Mrs WP…
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Well, here’s a coincidence! Someone just asked me if I was inspired by today’s “Burning Question” in the West Australian (our only state newspaper). There it discusses in encyclopedic detail the origin of the word. I swear I never laid eyes on it until now!
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