noun
roughneck
Roughneck (noun) means a labourer on an oil rig or in the oilpatch, either skilled or semiskilled.
noun
1
A labourer on an oil rig or in the oilpatch, either skilled or semiskilled.
2
A dirty or low-paid worker, a labourer; an ironworker in an ironworks or a steelworker in a steelworks.
3
Someone with rough manners; a rowdy or uncouth person.
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Etymology
From rough + neck, originally "someone who works a manual labour job".
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of roughneck?
"roughneck" (noun) means a labourer on an oil rig or in the oilpatch, either skilled or semiskilled.
What are the different meanings of roughneck?
"roughneck" has 3 main meanings: 1. A labourer on an oil rig or in the oilpatch, either skilled or semiskilled; 2. A dirty or low-paid worker, a labourer; an ironworker in an ironworks or a steelworker in a steelworks; 3. Someone with rough manners; a rowdy or uncouth person.