Mediterranean back
noun [mass noun] Australian informal, offensive
A feigned illness allegedly used by a worker as an excuse for shirking.Those with repetitive strain injury who came from Mediterranean stock were abused as suffering from 'Mediterranean back', 'Lebanese wrist' and 'golden arm'....
- Some, suffering from 'Mediterranean back', have been guilty of welfare fraud.
- Apparently all one needs to do is go to their doctor, get a letter stating that the person has Mediterranean back, ingrown toenail, or is having a blue day and send it to the local Council.
Origin
1970s: originally used to refer to behaviour associated with Italian or Greek immigrants.
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- Rolling Stones
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