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Discussion Groups / English Usage / July 2009Swag
ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote - A sack marked "Swag". It occurred to me that this word (in this sense and in the UK) is so very specific that in modern usage it appears only in images, on sacks carried by burglars who are usually wearing stripy jerseys. It's something I would be very unlikely ever to say except when describing this image. Is this sense understandable in other regions, and does the word get used in its wider meaning of "loot"? I suspect it's more widely used in Australia where we know they have Swagmen.  SignatureDavid > ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > used in its wider meaning of "loot"? I suspect it's more widely used in > Australia where we know they have Swagmen. Like this: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/s/swag.asp SignatureDavid > ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > used in its wider meaning of "loot"? I suspect it's more widely used in > Australia where we know they have Swagmen. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061741361/ Apparently still in use . . . . The unrelated term "swag"--either appearance or demeanor, or promotional merchandise for a band, record label, or other entity in the music business--which is probably derived from "swagger", is popular just now, and in some contexts it is hard to be sure whether the older or the pop sense is meant. Or, for that matter, whether the "giveaways" pop sense derives from the older use. SignatureCordially, Eric Walker, Owlcroft House http://owlcroft.com/english/ >> ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote >> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > sense is meant. Or, for that matter, whether the "giveaways" pop sense > derives from the older use. I'd always assumed that the bags full of swag (or gizzits) you collect a trade shows etc were named by direct analogy with the stripy-clothed gentleman's bag. SignatureOnline waterways route planner: http://canalplan.org.uk development version: http://canalplan.eu > ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > something I would be very unlikely ever to say except when describing > this image. We use both swag and loot to describe the contents of party bags given out at children's parties. Oh, and the sheer quantity of gifts for the lucky child. SignatureLinz Wet Yorks via Cambridge, York, London and Watford My accent may vary > ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > used in its wider meaning of "loot"? I suspect it's more widely used in > Australia where we know they have Swagmen. I wouldn't associate swag particularly with a second story man. It's pretty much synonymous with loot (n.), unless you're discussing window treatments. --Jeff SignatureThe comfort of the wealthy has always depended upon an abundant supply of the poor. --Voltaire > ElseNet I had the need to describe a stereotypical burglar, so I wrote > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > used in its wider meaning of "loot"? I suspect it's more widely used in > Australia where we know they have Swagmen. As an Australian I immediately think of swag to mean something akin to "camping bedroll". When we (my family) go camping, we may take our swags to sleep under the stars. They are made of heavy canvas, and the corners can be propped up by sticks to keep the damp out. We are soft, so we have a foam mattress inside the swag, as well as a sheet or light doona. A true swag would be not just your bedroll, but hold all the gear required for camping. I would not relate swags to stolen loot or burglars. Narelle |
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