General
probie
What does probie mean?
A probationary firefighter — the new kid, fresh out of the academy, serving their probation period (usually 12 to 18 months) before they're considered a full member of the house. Probies get the worst chores, cook for the crew, ride backwards, and are expected to study constantly. Not an insult, just a rank in the food chain everyone passes through.
"Send the probie down to check the air bottles and re-rack the attic ladder."
Origin
American firehouse slang, shortening of "probationary firefighter"; in wide use since at least the mid-20th century, popularised beyond the trade by the FX series Rescue Me (2004–2011).
Frequently asked questions
What does probie mean?
Probie is slang for a rookie firefighter who is still on probation, the newest and most junior member of the crew.
How do you use probie in a sentence?
"The probie gets stuck cleaning the trucks and making the coffee."
Where does the word probie come from?
It's short for "probationary," referring to the probation period a new firefighter must complete before becoming a full member of the department.
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