[4] The term "Aussie battler" generally refers to working-class Australians;[5] specifically, those who feel they must work hard at a low paying job to earn enough money.
"Aussie battler" is an example of self-aggrandising language, designed to counter feelings of stigma or inadequacy, and to bolster confidence in being a member of the Australian underclass.
In 2003, social scientist and author Michael Pusey described the condition behind this to talk show host Rachael Kohn as "Middle Class Battler syndrome".
[7] Following the election of the Liberal National Coalition government under the leadership of John Howard in 1996, the phrase was adapted and widely adopted within Australian public discourse.
[10]During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Sydney in September 2007, US President George W. Bush referred to Howard as a battler.