Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) a layabout, a larrikin n. (1)

1901

Bulletin (Sydney) 31 Aug. 14/2: Re the ‘boyang,’ originally called ‘London and Yorks.’ The straps are worn by men who want to stoop comfortably at work, and by those who wish to look like work – the latter principally larrikins and booveroos. I have seen boyangs atop of patched bell-bottoms and turn-over high heels, and above all a ‘blime straw-decker.’.