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Another thing Batavia can brag about: giving the world the word 'scalawag'

By Howard B. Owens

You wouldn't want to be called a "scalawag," but if you were a Batavia resident in the early 19th Century and didn't pay your debts, that's exactly how a local merchant might label you, and the local newspaper would print the charge, no less.

An amateur word sleuth uncovered the origins of "scalawag" recently, and according to a piece in the Boston Globe, the rather uncomplimentary word was likely invented right here in Batavia.

Nathaniel Sharpe, a 22-year-old genealogist from Bathgate, ND, was researching one of his ancestors, one John W. Putman.

He found a reference to Putnam in the March 8, 1836, issue of Batavia’s Republican Advocate.

Putnam was called a "skallewagg" for leaving town without paying his debts.

The spelling was curious and Sharpe wondered if "skallewagg" might mean the same as current spelling "scalawag."

It does, and prior to Sharpe's discovery, the earliest known print reference to the word was in 1848.

The Oxford English Dictionary said the word had Western New York origins.

With more research, Sharpe was able to determine that the possible originator of the word was James Brisbane (a famous surname in Batavia and journalism history).

The entire story is fascinating. Click here to read it.

Billie Owens

I enjoy fun words and certainly this is one. I can see it being used for maybe a band, a bar, or any number of enterprises. T-shirts producers and marketers make note! Howz about a law firm: "Scalawag, Scofflaw & Hooligan."

Apr 2, 2013, 8:27pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

As long as I'm not in it, Kenny. As long as I'm not in it. ...

(and doubt I could get away with publishing it like the Republican Advocate)

Apr 2, 2013, 8:56pm Permalink
Chad Zambito

Very cool article. I am not surprise it has ties to the masons and capt Morgan. The capt morgan story is a piece of history Batavia could benefit from if it were marketed properly.

Apr 2, 2013, 9:32pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Tim, if you don't think this is the kind thing The Batavian would publish any time, you've clearly have not being paying close attention to what The Batavian is all about.

Apr 2, 2013, 10:03pm Permalink

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