Esky
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Esky is an Australian brand of coolers manufactured by Nylex. The name is a reference to the association of Eskimos with cold climates.
The term has become a genericized trademark and as such is a colloquial term for any portable cooler. They are very popular at Australian barbecues, picnics and sporting events for keeping food and drinks cold.
Portable coolers were invented in Australia [1] and are now popular around the world.
The Esky was created by Malley's, a Sydney refrigeration business. The construction is made up of two layers: Polypropylene on the outer shell, with a polyurethane inner layer. This makes it lightweight and portable with great insulation.
Originally the Esky had a steel outside shell.
In the United States they are usually called a "cooler" and in New Zealand a "chilly bin".
[edit] Cultural references
There are a number of references to esky in Australian popular culture:
- Esky lids is a dismissive slang term surfers give body boards.
- Some Australian songs that include references to 'eskies' are:
- Paul Kelly's Roll On Summer - "The sweet metal taste of VB, Straight from the ice cold esky".
- Aussie Jingle Bells by Bucko and Champs - "Bashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden ute, kicking up the dust, esky in the boot".
- Jebediah's Country Holiday Song - "Come and take a drive out of the city, packed some smoke and some wine in an esky".
- 28 Days' Whats the Deal - "My best friend to the left, she's closest to the esky".
- Anecdote's Freestyle - "I'm fresh with raps/ like I kept my pen and pad/ in an Esky bag"
