swag meaning - Search

swag meaning - Search






swag
[swaɡ]
noun
a curtain or piece of fabric fastened so as to hang in a drooping curve.

informal
money or goods taken by a thief or burglar:
"garden machinery is the most popular swag"
Similar:
loot
plunder
pillage
haul
prize
trophy
spoils


US ENGLISH
informal
bold self-assurance of style or manner:
"she's proved she's got swag with this sporty two-piece" · "Adam had swag—he moved like a man who had the world at his feet"

verb
arrange in or decorate with a swag or swags of fabric:
"swag the fabric gracefully over the curtain tie-backs"

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ENGLISH
travel with one's personal belongings in a bundle:
"we were swagging it in Queensland" · "swagging my way up to the Northern Territory"

literary
hang heavily:
"the crinkly old hide swags here and there"
Similar:
dip
droop
bulge
bag
curve down
hang down
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Portable sleeping unit
In Australia, a swag is a portable sleeping unit. It is normally a bundle of belongings rolled in a traditional fashion to be carried by a foot traveller in the bush. Before motor transport was common, foot travel over long distances was essential to agriculture in the Australian bush.
Swag (bedroll) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swag_(bedroll)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swag_(bedroll)


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https://www.bevleaross.com.au/the-history-and-traditions-of-the-australian-swagman/ 1/9

The History and Traditions of the Australian Swagman


Australia is known for its diverse landscapes and unique cultural heritage and holds many fascinating historical
stories. One such tale is that of the Australian swagman. 

The swagman symbolises the spirit of independence,
resilience, and adventure rooted deeply in Australia’s folklore and social history.

 Swagman - Bevlea Ross Photography
Old swagman on the road

Origins and Definition
12/24/24, 8:32 PM The History and Traditions of the Australian Swagman - Bevlea Ross Photography
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The name “swagman” refers to itinerant workers who travelled the vast Australian outback, typically on foot,
during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name comes from the “swag” they carried—a bedroll or
bundle containing their possessions. Their meagre possessions were wrapped in a blanket or canvas and slung
over the shoulder. Swagmen, also known as “swaggies”, roamed the countryside searching for work, primarily
in rural and agricultural areas. While the majority of swagmen were men, there was the occasional woman.
Historical Context
The rise of the swagman can be traced back to the economic conditions and social upheavals of 19th-century
Australia. During this period, Australia experienced significant growth and development, driven by the gold
rushes of the 1850s and the expansion of pastoral and agricultural industries. However, this growth was also
accompanied by economic instability. This, in turn, led to high unemployment, leading many men to take the
road searching for work.
Swagmen became particularly prominent during the economic depression of the 1890s. With jobs scarce and
many rural properties struggling, the swaggies played a crucial role in the labour force. They would travel from
station to station, offering their services in exchange for food, shelter, and a small wage. This transient lifestyle
became a defining feature of the Australian rural landscape.
The Life of a Swagman
Life as a swagman was fraught with hardship and uncertainty. The men often walked long distances through
harsh and isolated environments. They endured extreme weather conditions and faced the constant challenge
of finding food and shelter. The swagman’s possessions were minimal: a billy can for boiling tea, basic cooking
utensils, a knife, a few clothes, and their swag. Sometimes, they carried flour to make damper.
Despite the difficulties, swagmen were known for their resilience and camaraderie. They developed a unique
subculture, sharing stories, songs, and skills. The sense of community among swagmen was strong, with mutual
support and a shared understanding of their challenges.
Bush Telegraph
With many swagmen travelling around the countryside, a bush telegraph quickly developed to communicate
important information to other swaggies. Without any other means of communication, swaggies had to rely on
the materials they had at hand. So, with a stick and a clear patch of dirt they left messages for others that
followed in their footsteps.
12/24/24, 8:32 PM The History and Traditions of the Australian Swagman - Bevlea Ross Photography
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Swagman symbols
The swagman would draw a subtle yet descriptive symbol in the dirt near the entrance of a farm or other
property to forewarn the next visitor. Using these simple scratches, the swagmen would share valuable
information, such as a good place for a handout or the presence of angry dogs.
Cultural Significance and Folklore
The swagman occupies a special place in Australian folklore and cultural identity. This figure has been
immortalised in literature, music, and art, symbolising the rugged, independent spirit associated with the
Australian outback.
12/24/24, 8:32 PM The History and Traditions of the Australian Swagman - Bevlea Ross Photography
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Waltzing Matilda, sung by Slim Dusty.
One of the most famous representations of the swagman is in the iconic Australian folk song “Waltzing
Matilda.” Written by Banjo Paterson in 1895, the song tells the story of a swagman who camps by a billabong
(a waterhole) and steals a sheep (referred to as a “jumbuck”). When the authorities come to arrest him, the
swagman jumps into the billabong and drowns. “Waltzing Matilda” refers to the swagman carrying his swag,
with “Matilda” being a colloquial term for the swag itself. This song has become an unofficial national anthem
of Australia, capturing the spirit of the swagman and his freewheeling lifestyle.
Swagmen in Literature and Art
Beyond “Waltzing Matilda,” the swagman has also been prominent in Australian literature and art. Writers such
as Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson often featured swagmen in their stories and poems, highlighting their
resilience, humour, and the challenges of life on the road. Lawson’s works, in particular, painted a vivid picture
of the swagman’s existence, from the loneliness of the bush to the camaraderie found around a campfire.
Artists also embraced the swagman as a subject. Painters like Frederick McCubbin captured the essence of the
Australian landscape and the swagman’s solitary figure in it. Their works often portrayed the swagman as a
stoic, heroic figure embodying the struggle and beauty of life in the Australian outback.
Slim Dusty - Waltzing Matilda (1998 Remaster)
12/24/24, 8:32 PM The History and Traditions of the Australian Swagman - Bevlea Ross Photography
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Down on His Luck is an 1889 painting by Australian artist Frederick McCubbin. It depicts a
disheartened swagman sitting by a campfire in the bush and sadly brooding over his misfortune.
The Decline of the Swagman
The traditional swagman began to disappear in the early 20th century as economic and societal changes
reduced the demand for itinerant labour. The advent of mechanised farming, improved transportation, and
social welfare programs led to fewer people needing to take to the road for work. By the mid-20th century, the
swagman had primarily become a figure of the past. They were remembered more in folklore now than in
reality.
However, the swagman’s legacy endures. The image of the swagman remains a powerful symbol of Australia’s
rural heritage and the spirit of adventure. In contemporary Australia, the term “swag” has evolved to refer to a
type of portable sleeping gear used by campers and outdoor enthusiasts, maintaining a connection to the
historical swagman.
swaggie swagman swagmen trampers waltzing matilda
Bevlea Ross 25 August 2024
Australian History 0
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