roughneck

American  

[ruhf-nek] / ˈrʌfˌnɛk /

noun

1. a rough, coarse person; a tough.

2. any laborer working on an oil-drilling rig.

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verb (used without object)

1. to work as a roughneck.

roughneck British  

/ ˈrʌfˌnɛk /

noun

1. a rough or violent person; thug

2. a worker in an oil-drilling operation

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Etymology

Origin of roughneck

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; rough + neck

Explanation

A roughneck is a troublemaker who gets in a lot of fights and doesn’t have good manners. Roughnecks are also men who work at dangerous, grueling hard-labor jobs. Maybe that’s why they’re so mad. Roughnecks weren’t always brutes — the term comes from Texas and used to just refer to a “rugged individual.” Then it was a word for someone who worked on an oil rig. But now a roughneck is someone, usually a big man, who’s tough, crude, and ready to fight. Roughnecks are the opposite of mild-mannered people. Roughnecks are uneducated and foul-mouthed. They’re the kind of people your parents warn you about.

Example Sentences

I’ve moved a lot, and each time I’ve picked up a few more of these classic 18-gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Totes to supplement moving boxes.

From Slate • Oct. 19, 2018

He’d been running a wrestling program in Southfield, the Roughneck Wrestling Club, but saw in the program a chance to work with city kids.

From Washington Times • Jan. 4, 2016

His story seemed like a familiar NFL tale: Roughneck uses football as an outlet, evolves and makes an amazing life for himself.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2015

Getting a nod of assent from the driller, Eskimo Roughneck Elijah Allen, 22, darted to the derrick ladder and scampered up the frosted rungs.

From Time Magazine Archive

But, Sam, take a tip from a Roughneck, Go slow now and don't crowd your hand Or some day you may find that the orphan Has quit creeping and learned how to stand.

From Rhymes of a Roughneck by O'Cotter, Pat