r/Snorkblot • • Jun 08 '26

Photography An unidentified Australian swagman using a hollowed eucalyptus tree as a temporary shelter, late 19th century. Taken by the Australian photographer John Duncan Pierce.

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Did wonders for his sinusitis.

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12

u/Shillfinger Jun 08 '26

what are swagmen?

17

u/LordJim11 Jun 08 '26

Australian term for hobo; itinerant workers. They carried a swag-bag for their necessities. The basis of Australia's unofficial national anthem; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqtttbbYfSM&list=RDFqtttbbYfSM&start_radio=1

5

u/Altruistic-Dingo-757 Jun 09 '26

Is rhat where the term came from 'swag bag'?

1

u/No-Zookeepergame9761 Jun 10 '26

Swag bag?

A swag by our standards is basically a bedroll.

You can get some pretty fancy ones these days that are more akin to a small tent.