Why Are Oil Rig Workers Called Roughnecks?

The term 'roughneck' is often heard in the oil and gas industry, particularly referring to workers on the drilling floor. But have you ever wondered where this term comes from? This article explores the history and potential origins of the term 'roughneck,' and why oil workers are often called 'roughnecks.'

Physical Labor in the Oil Industry

Oil rig workers, known as roughnecks, perform physically demanding work on drilling rigs, often under challenging and hazardous conditions. These workers play a crucial role in maintaining and operating the rig, handling heavy equipment, and performing tasks such as connecting and disconnecting pipes and managing drilling fluids. The term 'roughneck' reflects the demanding nature of the work these individuals do.

Historical Usage and Job Roles

The term 'roughneck' has a rich history and has evolved over time. Originally, it was used to describe unskilled laborers in traveling carnivals in the 19th-century United States, almost interchangeably with 'roustabout.' By the 1930s, the term had shifted to refer to workers in the oil drilling industry, particularly those on the drill floor handling specialized drilling equipment.

In the United Kingdom, the term 'roughneck' specifically referred to individuals working on the drill floor of a drilling rig, often handling heavy and specialized equipment. These workers ranged from unskilled to highly skilled, depending on their aptitude and experience. In contrast, a 'roustabout' would perform general labor such as loading and unloading cargo from crane baskets and assisting other skilled workers.

The use of the term 'roughneck' in the U.S. oil drilling industry dates back even earlier, having a similar meaning. This term has become deeply ingrained in the culture of oil rig workers, reflecting the physical demands and the often rugged environment in which they operate.

The Origin of the Term 'Roughneck'

Two sources provide differing reasons for the term's origin:

Unskilled Labor: One source suggests that 'roughneck' was used to describe unskilled laborers on an oil rig around 1917, likely derived from 'room 'neck.' This term is believed to have originated in the 19th-century traveling carnivals to describe unskilled workers. Physical Demand: Another source states that oil riggers are called roughnecks because they carry and manipulate oil pipes using their backs and necks, which can become calloused or rough from the constant strain.

Regardless of the exact origin, the term 'roughneck' has become a widely recognized and accepted term in the oil and gas industry, symbolizing the hardworking, resilient, and physically demanding nature of the job.

Conclusion

From traveling carnivals to the oil and gas industry, the term 'roughneck' has a rich and varied history. Whether it was derived from unskilled labor or the physical demands of working with heavy equipment, the term has come to represent the dedicated and hardworking nature of oil rig workers. Understanding the origin and history of this term can provide valuable insight into the culture and heritage of the oil and gas industry.