matilda: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Historical, Australian Slang, Literary/Poetic
Quick answer
What does “matilda” mean?
A term, most famously an Australian slang, for a bundle of personal possessions rolled up in a blanket, carried by a traveler, especially a bushman or swagman.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term, most famously an Australian slang, for a bundle of personal possessions rolled up in a blanket, carried by a traveler, especially a bushman or swagman.
Less commonly, a female given name (Matilda) with historical roots, or a reference to a waltzing song ('Waltzing Matilda'), which has become an unofficial Australian anthem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang term is virtually unknown in both British and American English. 'Matilda' as a given name is used in both, though with slightly different historical/cultural associations.
Connotations
In the UK, the name 'Matilda' may evoke the Roald Dahl character; in the US, it's a classic but less common name. The slang term has no connotation outside Australia.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both UK and US. The name is more frequent than the slang term.
Grammar
How to Use “matilda” in a Sentence
[Person] + waltz + matilda + [Location] (e.g., He waltzed matilda across the plains).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matilda” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or cultural studies of Australia.
Everyday
Rare, except in Australia when referencing the song or historical context.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matilda”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matilda”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matilda”
- Using 'matilda' as a common noun for any bag outside its specific historical Australian context.
- Capitalising 'matilda' when referring to the swag (it is typically lowercase in this sense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When used as the given name 'Matilda', it is capitalised. When referring to the swag, it is typically written in lowercase ('matilda').
Not accurately. It refers specifically to a traditional Australian swag (bedroll and belongings), not a modern backpack.
It uses Australian slang: 'to waltz' meant to travel on foot, and 'Matilda' was the swag. So, 'waltzing matilda' meant travelling while carrying one's swag.
The slang meaning is almost exclusively Australian and known internationally only through the famous song. The name 'Matilda' is used globally.
A term, most famously an Australian slang, for a bundle of personal possessions rolled up in a blanket, carried by a traveler, especially a bushman or swagman.
Matilda is usually historical, australian slang, literary/poetic in register.
Matilda: in British English it is pronounced /məˈtɪldə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtɪldə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Waltzing Matilda (to travel on foot carrying one's swag; also the song title)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a woman named Matilda lovingly rolling up her essential belongings into a blanket before a journey through the Australian bush.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUNDLE OF POSSESSIONS IS A COMPANION (personified as 'Matilda' in the song).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, non-name meaning of 'matilda' in Australian English?