backpacker

Noun

backpacker (plural backpackers)

1. A traveler whose luggage consists of a backpack; especially, such a traveler who uses hostels, public transport, and other inexpensive services.
   • Among the ah bengs and ah lians, the mats and the minahs, the young expats and the backpackers, he stood out like a dozen guys on a male-only dance floor singing Dancing Queen (I'll never forgive Blur for ruining my 21st birthday).2012 April 15, Neil Humphreys, “From Cool Dude to Sad Old Man”, in The New Paper, page 34
   • A decade ago, I was a backpacker entirely reliant on the railways as a means to see Britain, and with castles as my destination. Via trains alone, I was able to tick off nearly all of the castles that my English Heritage annual pass afforded me.2022 January 12, Dr. Joseph Brennan, “Castles: ruined and redeemed by rail”, in RAIL, number 948, page 53
2. A hostel offering accommodation for such people.
   • We hardly ever stayed in backpackers as it was approximately double the cost of pitching a tent in a caravan park or nature reserve.2016, Craig J, Tame the Ego Before It Tames the Soul
3. (slang) A fan or performer of backpack rap.
   • Blacks and Latinos were more likely to be gangsta rappers than backpackers.2014, Geoff Harkness, Chicago Hustle and Flow: Gangs, Gangsta Rap, and Social Class
   • To him the white backpackers are abject, 'safari wiggers' who threaten to undo all his careful work at 'passing' in this culture. With their earnestness and clumsy naiveté they betray the scandalous truth of his posturing.2017, Patrick Turner, Hip Hop Versus Rap: The Politics of Droppin' Knowledge, page 129