Roughneck - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A roughneck is a laborer who performs physically demanding work, typically in oil drilling or construction. The term can also describe someone with a tough, rugged demeanor. It is often used informally.
Definition:
A tough, aggressive, or unruly person, often associated with manual labor or oil rig work.
Synonyms:
tough, rowdy, laborer, brute, roustabout
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
gentleman, sophisticate
Common Collocations:
oil rig roughneck, tough roughneck, hardworking roughneck
Derivatives:
roughnecking (verb), roughnecked (past tense)
Usage Tips:
Use "roughneck" to describe someone rugged or unrefined, especially in physically demanding jobs like oil drilling.
Common Phrases:
rough and ready, rough around the edges, tough as nails
Etymology:
Originated in the late 19th century from "rough" + "neck," referring to coarse or tough individuals.
Examples:
- 1. The roughneck worked tirelessly on the oil rig.
- 2. He was known as a roughneck for his tough demeanor and strength.
- 3. The bar was full of roughnecks after their shift ended.
- 4. She admired the roughneck’s resilience despite the harsh conditions.