@martinnhantran

2 years ago

Waltzing Matilda explained: Swagman = An itinerant worker, who travelled around on foot carrying his belongings (his swag). Matilda = The swagman's bedroll, so named because it's "the only woman he sleeps with" Waltzing Matilda = The bedroll was often carried at the hip, so it swung back and forth as the swagman walked along. The movement was similar in some respects to the way a man would swing a woman around during a lively waltz, hence to walk around while carrying one's bedroll was called "waltzing Matilda" Billabong = A curve of a stream which has been cut off due to the water flow changing direction, also known as an oxbow lake. Coolabah/Coolibah = A type of eucalyptus tree. Billy = A tin pot, usually hung over a fire to boil water in to make a hot drink. Also used for general cooking. Jumbuck = A male sheep. Tucker bag = Tucker means food, so it's a food bag. Squatter = In this context, someone who occupies unused crown land and develops and farms it. Trooper = Soldier. Filled the role of a policeman before the police force was established. Edit to add: The fact that the squatter was riding a thoroughbred horse indicates that he was wealthy and could well afford to lose a single sheep, and the fact that he brought three troopers with him indicates overkill in enforcing the law. (Source: Melkior Wiseman)

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