What is goon in Australia?
In Australian slang, goon means cheap cask wine, usually sold in a cardboard box with a plastic bag inside. Goon is popular with students and backpackers because it is inexpensive.
The wine cask was invented in Australia in 1965 by Thomas Angove, a winemaker in South Australia. It made wine cheaper and easier to store.
The plastic bag inside the box is called the goon sack or goon bag. Because the bag collapses as wine is poured, air does not enter, helping the wine stay fresh.
Goon culture
Goon is often associated with parties, music festivals and university life. Some games, such as goon of fortune, involve the wine bag.
The origin of the word goon is uncertain. One theory is that it comes from flagon, a large wine bottle.
Cask wine is still sold widely in Australia and some higher-quality cask wines are now produced. However, alcohol taxes and health campaigns have changed the market. Drinking responsibly is encouraged.
Wine casks are also popular for picnics and camping because they are light and unbreakable.