roughneck
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈrʌfˌnɛk/
KK: /ˈrʌfˌnɛk/
adjective
Definition
Having qualities that are tough, rugged, or suited for hard work, often associated with manual labor or rough environments.
Example
The roughneck workers handled the heavy machinery with ease.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: rougher
Superlative: roughest
Conversation
I heard you're planning to go hiking this weekend.
Yeah, but I need to find some roughneck gear first.
What kind of gear do you need for that?
I need something durable and tough, you know, roughneck style.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tough
rugged
gritty
Antonyms
gentle
soft
refined
noun
Definition
A person who works on an oil rig, usually doing tough and physical jobs, or someone who is rough and uncouth in behavior.
Example
The roughneck climbed up the rig to check the equipment.
Conversation
I met a roughneck at the barbecue last weekend.
Oh really? What was he like?
He was super friendly but definitely a bit rowdy.
Root Explanation
Roughneck → It is formed from "rough" (from Old English *ruh*, meaning uneven or coarse) and "neck" (from Old English *hnecca*, meaning the part of the body connecting the head and the body). The word "roughneck" originally referred to a person who works in tough, physically demanding jobs, often in the oil industry, characterized by a rough demeanor or environment.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who works in a tough, 'uneven' ('rough') environment and has a strong, sturdy 'neck' — that's why a roughneck is someone who does hard physical labor.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.