What is an Esky?
An Esky is the Australian name for a portable insulated cooler box used to keep drinks and food cold. Esky began as a brand name but is now used for any cool box in Australia.
The Esky brand was introduced in Australia in the early 1950s by the Sydney refrigeration company Malleys. Early versions were made of metal and later plastic, with insulation to keep ice frozen for hours.
The name is thought to come from Eskimo, a now outdated term, reflecting the idea of keeping things icy cold. Like Biro and Band-Aid, the brand name became a generic word.
Essential for summer
An Esky is a must-have for Australian beach days, barbecues, picnics, camping trips, fishing and cricket matches. People fill them with ice, cold drinks, meat for the barbie and fruit.
Large Eskies are often used as extra seats at the beach or campground. In some sporting venues, the size of Eskies spectators can bring in is limited.
In New Zealand, a similar cooler is called a chilly bin, while Americans usually say cooler. The word Esky is officially recognised in the Macquarie Dictionary, Australia's national dictionary.
Did You Know?
The Esky is regarded as an Australian design icon and has appeared in museum exhibitions.