swagger

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


Same as Swagman (q.v.).Specially used in New Zealand. The word has also the modernEnglish slang sense.

1875. Lady Barker, `Station Amusements in New Zealand,' p. 154:

«Describing the real swagger, clad in flannel shirt, moleskintrowsers, and what were once thick boots.»

1890. `The Century,' vol. xli. p. 624 (`Century'):

«Under the name of swagger or sundowner the tramp, as he movesfrom station to station in remote districts, in supposed searchfor work, is a recognized element of society.»

1893. `Otago Witness,' Dec. 21, p. 6, col. 3:

«Once a footsore swagger came along, and having gone to thehouse to ask for `tucker,' soon returned. He took his swagfrom his shoulders and leant it against the Tree; then hebusied himself gathering the small sticks and dried leaveslying about on every side.»

1896. `The Argus,' March 23, p.5, col. 1:

«The minister's house is the sure mark for every stone-brokeswagger in search of clothes or victuals.»

1896. `Southern Standard' (New Zealand), [page not given]:

«An ardent young lady cyclist of Gore, who goes very longjourneys on her machine, was asked by a lady friend if she wasnot afraid of swaggers on the road. `Afraid of them?' shesaid, `why, I take tea with them!'»

1896. `The Champion,' Jan. 4, p. 3, col. 3:

«He [Professor Morris] says that `swagger' is a variant of`swagman.' This is equally amusing and wrong.»

[Nevertheless, he now says it once again.]

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