BINDLESTIFF Meaning and
Definition
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The term "bindlestiff" is derived from the words "bindle" and "stiff" and is primarily used in American English slang. It refers to a wanderer, a laborer, or a transient person who carries his belongings in a bundle (known as a bindle). The term gained popularity during the Great Depression, when large numbers of unemployed individuals roamed the United States, often traveling by train.
A bindlestiff can be identified by their nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in search of work, often taking up temporary employment in farming, construction, or other manual labor. They typically lead a simple and frugal life, carrying their few possessions in a makeshift sack attached to a long stick, which they sling over their shoulder.
In modern usage, "bindlestiff" can also refer to someone who is lazy, unreliable, or lacks ambition. It comes with the connotation of being a slacker or a freeloader, unwilling to put in the effort or commitment required to achieve success.
Overall, "bindlestiff" carries the dual meanings of a vagabond or itinerant worker and a person who displays laziness or idleness. However, the term is mostly used in historical or colloquial contexts, as societal and economic changes have reduced the prevalence of bindlestiffs in contemporary times.
Etymology of BINDLESTIFF
The word "bindlestiff" originated in the United States during the late 19th to early 20th century. It is formed by combining two distinct slang terms: "bindle" and "stiff".
1. Bindle: The term "bindle" refers to a small bundle or sack containing a hobo or vagabond's belongings. It was often made by tying a bedroll or blanket to a stick or pole, allowing it to be carried over the shoulder. The word "bindle" likely derived from the dialectal English term "bind", meaning "to tie", and the suffix "-le", often used for diminutive forms.
2. Stiff: In American slang, "stiff" can be used to describe a person who is an insignificant or unimportant individual. It has an association with immobility or inflexibility, suggesting a lack of freedom or mobility.
