bowyangs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ArchaicHistorical / Dialectal (primarily Australian, NZ, UK regional)
Quick answer
What does “bowyangs” mean?
Cords, straps, or string tied around the trouser legs below the knee to prevent them from dragging or catching.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Cords, straps, or string tied around the trouser legs below the knee to prevent them from dragging or catching.
Historically, leg fastenings worn by agricultural labourers, bushmen, or sailors in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Can refer to the tied-off lower portion of the trousers themselves.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term has some historical use in British regional dialects and was carried to Australia and New Zealand. It is virtually unknown in modern American English.
Connotations
In UK/Australian historical context: rustic practicality, manual labour. No modern connotation in the US.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, but slightly more attested in historical Australian/New Zealand writing than elsewhere.
Grammar
How to Use “bowyangs” in a Sentence
Subject + wore + bowyangsSubject + tied + bowyangs + around + legsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical/sociological texts discussing 19th-century workwear.
Everyday
Not used in modern conversation.
Technical
Not used in any modern technical field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bowyangs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bowyangs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bowyangs”
- Using as a singular noun ('a bowyang').
- Spelling as 'bow-yanks' or 'boyangs'.
- Using in a modern context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term. You will only find it in historical writing, old dictionaries, or in recollections of very old rural practices.
The etymology is uncertain. It is likely a colloquial Australian formation, possibly from 'bow' (to bend) + 'yang' (a dialectal word for a strap or thong), or from a Chinese Pidgin English word for 'leg'. It is not a fabricated etymology for this entry.
No, it would sound very odd and anachronistic. Modern equivalents are 'trouser clips', 'ankle straps', or 'cycle clips'.
The word is almost always used in the plural form 'bowyangs'. A singular 'bowyang' is theoretically possible but exceedingly rare in attestation.
Cords, straps, or string tied around the trouser legs below the knee to prevent them from dragging or catching.
Bowyangs is usually historical / dialectal (primarily australian, nz, uk regional) in register.
Bowyangs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaʊjæŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaʊjæŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tighter than a bushman's bowyangs (Australian simile for extreme tightness or stinginess)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A man BOWs to tie his YANGs (legs) together with string. 'Bow' (bend) + 'Yang' (informal for legs).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRAINT IS A BINDING (The bowyangs literally and metaphorically bind the worker to a state of rustic practicality).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'bowyangs'?