Drängst

Drängst is a term primarily used in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, to refer to a farmhand or male agricultural laborer. Historically, the dräng played a crucial role in the functioning of rural economies. Their duties were varied and often demanding, encompassing tasks such as tending to livestock, plowing fields, harvesting crops, and maintaining farm equipment.

The position of a dräng was typically held by young, unmarried men, often from poorer backgrounds or families with insufficient land to support them. They lived and worked on the farm, and in exchange for their labor, they received room, board, and a small wage, if any. The social standing of a dräng was generally lower than that of the farmer or his family.

While the term is deeply rooted in historical agricultural practices, its usage has declined significantly with the modernization of farming and the shift away from traditional agrarian lifestyles. Today, the word "drängst" is rarely encountered in contemporary contexts outside of historical discussions or literary references. It evokes a bygone era of manual labor and a specific social structure within rural communities.