navvy

Noun

1. (UK, historical) A laborer on a civil engineering project such as a canal or railroad.
2. an unskilled laborer

Verb

To carry out physical labor on a civil engineering project.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈnævi/

Etymology

Clipping of navigator, in reference to the navigation canals upon which these workers first toiled, + -y.

Synonyms

digger

excavator

excavator

drudge

galley slave

laborer

peon

unskilled labourer

construction worker

👷

ground-man

unskilled worker

workingman

working man

dredger

workman

ditcher

ground and air forces

shovelman

labourer

Translations

terrassier

Erdarbeiter

sterratore

σκαφτιάς

peón

terrazziere

Streckenarbeiter

Straßenarbeiter

Löffelbagger

peó

εργάτης δημόσιων έργων

εργάτης

galérien

Erdarbeiten

Kanalarbeiter