- Today's Word
Roustabout
[ROUSE-tuh-bout]
Definition
- (noun) An unskilled laborer who did odd jobs, particularly on oil rigs or in circuses. In modern usage, it can describe someone who works at various unskilled jobs or a person who is rough and rowdy.
Example
Before settling into his career as a teacher, Jack spent a few years as a roustabout, traveling from town to town and picking up whatever work he could find.
Fun Fact
The term “roustabout” first appeared in the mid-19th century in the United States. It’s believed to be a combination of “roust” (to drive out or eject) and “about.” Initially, it was often associated with dock workers and sailors, then later with circus workers who would set up and take down tents and equipment. In the oil industry, roustabouts perform various manual labor tasks around oil rigs. The word has also been popularized in music, most notably in Elvis Presley’s song “Roustabout” from the 1964 film of the same name.
(verb) To stop or intercept someone unexpectedly, especially in order to attack, rob, or engage them in unavoidable conversation
She tried to slip out of the conference early but was waylaid by three colleagues with questions before she reached the door.
Waylay is a compound of way (path or road) and lay — from the Old English licgan, meaning “to lie in wait.” The word has been in use since the 16th century, originally describing the literal act of lying in ambush along a road to attack a traveler, before broadening to include any form of unexpected interception.