Roustabout: meaning, definitions and examples

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roustabout

 

[ ˈraʊstəˌbaʊt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

laborer, worker, general

A roustabout is a laborer who performs a variety of tasks, typically in industries such as fishing, shipping, or entertainment. This term is often used to describe someone who carries out manual labor and assists more skilled workers. Roustabouts are found in various settings, including oil rigs, docks, and circus arenas, where they may be responsible for unloading cargo or setting up equipment. The role often involves a lot of physical work and can require a willingness to learn diverse tasks.

Synonyms

hand, laborer, worker

Examples of usage

  • The roustabouts worked tirelessly to load the fishing nets onto the boat.
  • During the circus performance, the roustabouts quickly set up the tents and equipment.
  • On the oil rig, the roustabouts were essential for maintaining the efficiency of operations.

Translations

Translations of the word "roustabout" in other languages:

🇵🇹 roustabout

🇮🇳 रौस्टबैट

🇩🇪 Roustabout

🇮🇩 roustabout

🇺🇦 руставбаут

🇵🇱 roustabout

🇯🇵 ラウスタバウト

🇫🇷 roustabout

🇪🇸 roustabout

🇹🇷 roustabout

🇰🇷 라우스타바우트

🇸🇦 راوستابوت

🇨🇿 roustabout

🇸🇰 roustabout

🇨🇳 临时工

🇸🇮 roustabout

🇮🇸 roustabout

🇰🇿 roustabout

🇬🇪 რუდსტაბაუტი

🇦🇿 roustabout

🇲🇽 roustabout

Word origin

The term 'roustabout' finds its origins in the late 19th century, particularly in the contexts of maritime and circus work. It is believed to stem from the word 'roust,' an obsolete term meaning to rouse or wake up, and 'about,' which implies moving around or being active. Traditionally, roustabouts were often young men looking for temporary work opportunities that required physical strength and a versatile skill set. The term became more widely recognized through its use in the entertainment industry and oil drilling, where it described workers who took on various tasks to support more specialized roles. Over the years, the term has retained its connotation of manual labor and the necessity of adaptability in challenging environments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,414, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.