Hi Maggie, A waddy is Western USA term (1897) meaning cowboy; or a cattle rustler which is a cattle thief. The origin is unknown. The term waddy was in all three dictionaries that I consulted - three of the most popular across the states...up to date. Cowboy came into existence in 1623. Hope this helps your new list person. Regards, Glenda >Morning all, > >This came up on a list I have just joined.....I have said I think it is a >dry >river bed in India or Africa and also I seem to remember a song about >driving >by the waddy....possibly Mississipi or the Everglades in Florida. I am sure >that there are plenty of people on Northern who can give me, and / or the >lady enquiring, the correct answer. I have told her I am forwarding her >mail >to you. > >Hello List, > >Lately I have been re-reading a copy of an old journal that one of my >early ancestors wrote and he uses the word "waddy" several times. I have >seen reference to this same word in other old writings.The word is >sometimes spelled waddie. I can't find that word in any dictionary new or >old. In the context it was written I believe it to mean "cowboy" or >"stockman" as we know the term today. It seems like I read somewhere that >the word "cowboy" was coined in the early "B" western type picture shows >in the 1920-1930's. I have certainly never seen that word in print from >earlier times, like around or before 1900. Does anyone out there care to >comment on this, am I wrong to think the word waddy means something else >besides cowboy? > >Shirley in TX >Maggie >In a very dull, soggy but mild Essex