From the traditional Australian expression: "
Don't come the raw prawn!" or "
Don't come the raw prawn with me!", meaning: "
Don't try to put one over me!" or "
Don't treat me like a fool!".
Particularly used to indicate that the listener is aware of the speaker's ingenuousness, for example where the person to whom it's directed feigns innocence or naivety.
Etymology:
Some sources say it is a WWII Australian Army expression. As to why it arose: one suggestion is that the reason lies in cooked prawn being more palatable than raw prawn. However, anyone from a fishing background who has handled raw prawn flesh,
will know that it is limp, wet and slippery; like the sort of
people at whom this phrase is directed.
Manager: "I'm sorry, Dave, management has reviewed our operational requirements and found that your position cannot be justified financially".
Employee: "
Don't you
bloody come the raw
prawn with me. I know it's you who wanted me out. At least have the guts to tell me to my face".
