The slightest live idea appeared a crudity. In spite of the prevailing good form, perfect politeness, and desire to please, ennui was visible in every face.
But these were faults rather than qualities. It was many years before he became aware of the latent genius of the popular tongue; the raciness of its images, its poetic crudity, its wealth of legendary wisdom.
One noted that " flies, dirt, and outside lavatories" were on the list of complaints from British immigrants, and added that many people also complained about " the crudity, bad manners, and unfriendliness of the Australians" .