matilda

Meaning

A swag, the bundle of belongings carried by a bush traveller. To 'waltz matilda' is to travel on foot carrying a swag. Dated.

Example

He rolled up his matilda and set off down the track.

Origin

From the female name Matilda; why it was applied to a swag is not known.

Variants

waltzing matilda

Nearby words

All M words →