roughneck
Translation
roughneck, ruffian, oil rig worker
Examples
He worked as a roughneck on an oil rig.
He worked as a roughneck on an oil rig.
The bar was full of loud roughnecks.
The bar was full of loud roughnecks.
Grammar Patterns
a roughneck a rough or boisterous person, or an oil rig worker The bar was full of loud roughnecks.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ruffian, rowdy, oil worker
Etymology
A compound of 'rough' and 'neck'. It originally referred to someone with a sunburnt, 'rough' neck from outdoor manual labour.
Memory Tips
Picture a tough person with a 'rough neck' from working hard outside, like on an oil rig.