Trade Dictionary: UK trade slang and terms A-Z

AIB

Common abbreviation for asbestos insulating board. Do not confuse it with every cement sheet or make a visual identification without appropriate assessment.

Used in: Asbestos specialists.

Air con

Air conditioning in everyday speech. Ask whether the scope means cooling, heating, ventilation or a combination.

Used in: Hvac engineers.

Arisings

Material produced by the work, such as branches and chip. Agree whether removal is included in the price.

Used in: Tree surgeons.

Artex

A familiar product name often used loosely for textured coatings. The nickname alone cannot identify asbestos content, age or the correct work classification.

Used in: Asbestos specialists.

Back butter

Apply suitable adhesive to the tile back as part of the specified bedding method. It does not replace coverage checks.

Used in: Tilers.

Back buttering

Applying adhesive to a tile’s back as part of a suitable bedding method. It does not replace adequate coverage checks.

Used in: Tilers.

Balanced

In heating, adjusted so flow is distributed as designed. It does not simply mean every valve is equally open.

Used in: Gas and heating engineers.

Barrel

Common informal name for a cylinder. Identify the actual lock type and component before ordering a replacement.

Used in: Locksmiths.

Bay

Common shorthand for a section between posts. Confirm whether a quoted bay includes the panel, posts, gravel board and any removal or ground preparation.

Used in: Fencers.

Bench work

Informal shorthand for workshop-based production. Confirm the actual tasks and equipment; it does not establish competence in every joinery product or machine.

Used in: Joiners.

Bird guard

An informal product description for protection against bird entry. Compatibility and maintenance must be checked; an unsuitable terminal can create a hazard rather than solve one.

Used in: Chimney sweeps.

Bleeding

Releasing trapped air from a heating component by the appropriate method. It is not a cure for every cold radiator.

Used in: Gas and heating engineers.

Blown unit

Common shorthand for a sealed glazing unit suspected of seal failure, often because moisture appears between panes. It is not a complete survey finding.

Used in: Glaziers.

Board

Usually the consumer unit or distribution board in electrical conversation. Confirm which assembly and circuit are meant.

Used in: Electricians.

Boarding out

Informal description of installing board linings. Define the board, layers, framing, insulation, penetrations and finish in the actual instruction.

Used in: Dryliners.

Bodge

An improvised or poor repair. Explain the actual defect rather than using the word as the only survey finding.

Bodger

Usually an insult for someone doing poor work today; historically also associated with green-wood chair-part making. Context matters.

Used in: Builders.

Brew

Tea, coffee or a break for one, depending on the crew. Not a substitute for a hydration plan in hot weather.

Brickie

An informal name for a bricklayer, also written bricky. It does not describe every worker involved in a building project.

Used in: Builders.

Bricky

A bricklayer; also written brickie. Not a description of every general builder.

This meaning: Builders.

Informal name for a bricklayer. It does not identify qualification, structural-design responsibility or experience in every masonry and heritage specialism.

This meaning: Bricklayers.

Used in: Bricklayers, Builders.

Builders’ clean

Cleaning after building work. Specify debris removal, fine dust, windows, fittings and any exclusions rather than assume one universal package.

Used in: Cleaning and restoration professionals.

Butty

A sandwich in many parts of the UK; filling and local vocabulary vary.

Used in: Builders.

Cage

A tied reinforcement assembly in this context. Handling and temporary stability need planning; an assembly is not safe to lift merely because it holds its shape on the ground.

Used in: Steel fixers.

Callbacks

Return visits following an earlier attendance. The contract should distinguish planned monitoring from an unresolved original problem.

Used in: Pest control professionals.

Carcass

The cabinet body, distinct from its doors and drawer fronts. Confirm whether fittings and finishing panels are included.

Used in: Kitchen and bathroom fitters.

CAT scan

On site, often shorthand for using a cable avoidance tool, not a medical scan. Locating services needs a complete safe system.

Used in: Groundworkers.

Charger

Often the installed chargepoint in everyday speech. Clarify the fixed equipment, cable and vehicle-side equipment when discussing a fault.

Used in: Ev chargepoint installers.

Chase

A cut channel in a wall or floor for services. Structural limits, dust and hidden services must be considered.

Used in: Electricians.

Chippy

A carpenter or joiner. Context matters: it can also mean the shop supplying Friday lunch.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Click floor

Informal description of a flooring product with a mechanical locking joint. It does not mean all products share one installation method.

Used in: Flooring fitters.

Cold spot

An informal description of a locally cooler area. Investigate the cause rather than assuming insulation is missing.

Used in: Insulation and retrofit installers.

Combi

A combination boiler in heating conversation. The nickname does not identify fuel, model or the engineer’s permitted work categories.

Used in: Gas and heating engineers.

Commission it

Set, test and record the installed system against its design. Merely switching a unit on is not the same process.

Used in: Hvac engineers.

Cut back

A vague request to reduce plant growth. Identify the plant, intended extent and method before work so useful growth is not removed under an ambiguous instruction.

Used in: Gardeners.

Cut in

Paint the boundary around edges and details. The phrase alone does not specify the complete coating system.

Used in: Painters and decorators.

Cutting in

Painting a controlled edge around corners, trim or fittings before or alongside rolling the main area.

Used in: Painters and decorators.

Dead

Not energised in a particular context. A casual statement that a circuit is dead is not proof of safe isolation.

Used in: Electricians.

Denib

Remove small raised particles or nibs from a finish, usually by suitable light abrasion between stages.

Used in: Painters and decorators.

Dig out

Excavate material. Scope, service precautions, disposal and the required finished formation must be stated separately.

This meaning: Landscapers.

Excavate or remove material. Depth, extent, disposal and service precautions need to be specified.

This meaning: Groundworkers.

Used in: Groundworkers, Landscapers.

Dish

Ordinary shorthand for a satellite reflector installation. Confirm whether the quote includes the mount, receiver assembly, cable and alignment rather than only the visible reflector.

Used in: Aerial installers.

Door bar

Common shorthand for a threshold component. Confirm its material, profile, height transition and fixing rather than order any bar with a similar colour.

Used in: Carpet fitters.

Dot and dab

Fixing plasterboard with prescribed adhesive dabs. It is a defined dry-lining method, not a licence for random adhesive blobs.

Used in: Plasterers.

Drop

Common shorthand for the vertical blind dimension. Confirm the supplier’s measurement convention and whether the number describes the opening or finished product.

Used in: Blind installers.

Dwang

A Scottish term commonly used for a noggin. Drawings still need to show the member’s purpose and position.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Dwangs

A Scottish term commonly used for noggins. Agree size, position and purpose on the drawing, whatever the name.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Export

Sending electricity to the network. Network permission and payment eligibility are separate matters, not one automatic benefit.

Used in: Solar and renewables installers.

Fab shop

An informal name for a fabrication workshop. Confirm whether the instruction includes design, coating and site installation.

Used in: Metalworkers and welders.

False alarm

An activation not representing the intended event. Investigate the cause rather than disabling protection to silence a recurring problem.

Used in: Security and cctv installers.

Fat

A tradesperson’s description of workable fine material brought to the surface during finishing; meaning depends on the process.

Used in: Plasterers.

First fix

The earlier installation stage, usually before surfaces are closed up. Its exact boundary differs between trades and contracts.

This meaning: Builders.

A shared stage label for work before finishes conceal it. For a bathroom, specify which supports, routes, tests and inspection points must be completed.

This meaning: Bathroom fitters.

Used in: Bathroom fitters, Builders.

Flash

Show an uneven patch of sheen or appearance after drying. Investigate absorption, preparation and application rather than just adding water.

Used in: Painters and decorators.

Gaffer

The boss or person in charge. Ask who holds the actual project responsibility when it matters.

Genny

A generator in some site conversations, but a signal generator in cable-avoidance work. These are not interchangeable.

Used in: Groundworkers.

Gobbo

A regional or crew-specific word for mortar. It is not a technical mix specification.

Used in: Builders.

Going off

A material beginning to set, stiffen or lose workability. Not the same as being fully cured or dry.

Used in: Plasterers.

Good side

Informal description of the visually preferred fence face. It is not, by itself, evidence of ownership or a universal legal rule about which neighbour receives it.

Used in: Fencers.

Green waste

Common shorthand for plant material from the work. State what removal includes and use appropriate waste arrangements; the name does not make every disposal route acceptable.

Used in: Gardeners.

Groundie

An informal name for a groundworker; also used in arboriculture for someone working on the ground.

This meaning: Groundworkers.

A ground-based tree-work team member in this context. Duties still depend on training and the work plan.

This meaning: Tree surgeons.

Used in: Groundworkers, Tree surgeons.

Hod carrier

A traditional name for a worker supplying materials to bricklayers. The role can provide experience but is not automatically an apprenticeship or proof of skilled masonry competence.

Used in: Bricklayers.

Ironmongery

A customary collective term for fittings such as hinges and handles. Specify product, finish, duty and compatibility instead of treating it as a single interchangeable purchase.

Used in: Joiners.

Jetting

Cleaning with appropriate high-pressure water equipment. It is not automatically suitable for every pipe defect or blockage.

Used in: Drainage contractors.

Key

A surface condition or preparation intended to help adhesion. The right method depends on the coating and background.

Used in: Painters and decorators.

Knock off

Finish work for the day in this context. In another context it can mean remove or a counterfeit item, so be precise.

Knock up

Mix or prepare a small quantity of material, often mortar. Informal wording does not establish a mix ratio.

Used in: Builders.

Labourer

A worker carrying out general site support tasks. It is a role, not permission to undertake specialist work.

Used in: Builders.

Lift

A scaffold level in this context, not necessarily a passenger or goods hoist. Confirm the intended access arrangement.

Used in: Scaffolders and access specialists.

Like for like

Common shorthand for a matching replacement. It does not automatically establish that consent is unnecessary or specifications are identical.

Used in: Heritage and conservation trades.

Lip

Informal shorthand for a raised tile edge or lippage. A snag report should identify the location and measured concern.

Used in: Tilers.

Lippage

A height difference between adjacent tile edges. Tile variation, substrate and installation all affect it.

Used in: Tilers.

Lockout

A call where authorised access cannot be gained normally. The term does not decide whether the cause is keys, alignment or mechanism failure.

Used in: Locksmiths.

Loft room

An imprecise description which may mean habitable accommodation or limited storage. State the intended use and approval status rather than assume the phrase guarantees a compliant bedroom.

Used in: Loft-conversion specialists.

LVT

Luxury vinyl tile. The abbreviation does not establish whether the product is glue-down, floating or suitable for a particular background.

Used in: Flooring fitters.

Making good

Repairing surrounding surfaces after work, such as a chase. Agree whether this includes final decoration.

Meggering

Colloquial shorthand for insulation resistance testing, from the Megger test-equipment brand. It does not mean every electrical test.

Used in: Electricians.

Misting up

Condensation on or within glazing. Identify which surface is affected before assuming the whole window needs replacement.

Used in: Glaziers.

Muck

Informal term for mortar on many masonry jobs; elsewhere it may mean soil, spoil or general dirt. Clarify before ordering.

This meaning: Builders.

Informal mortar in some crews. Heritage work needs the actual binder, aggregate and mix specification, not only the nickname.

This meaning: Heritage and conservation trades.

Used in: Builders, Heritage and conservation trades.

Muck away

Removal of excavated or other material in site conversation. Waste classification and the authorised destination still need confirming.

Used in: Demolition and waste contractors.

Noggins

Short timber pieces between framing members, used for purposes such as restraint or fixing support. The design determines their role.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Offcut

A remaining piece after cutting. Agree whether usable remnants are retained for the customer; a small piece is not automatically sufficient for a future invisible repair.

Used in: Carpet fitters.

Olive

The ring compressed in a suitable compression fitting. It is a plumbing component here, not a food reference.

Used in: Plumbers.

On the tools

Doing practical trade work rather than office or management work. Some business owners do both in the same day.

Opener

Ordinary shorthand for a powered drive or operating assembly. A quote should state the actual equipment, controls, safety functions, release and commissioning rather than only promise an opener.

Used in: Garage-door installers.

Opening up

Informal shorthand for exposing concealed construction for assessment. It needs consent, safety checks, protection and an agreed reinstatement responsibility, not casual destructive exploration.

Used in: Surveyors.

Parts cannon

Informal criticism of replacing components by guesswork. A useful repair instruction identifies the diagnosed fault and evidence, not merely the nickname or a series of new parts.

Used in: Mechanics.

Persuader

Joking name for a substantial hammer or similar tool. Force is not a specification or a repair method.

Used in: Builders.

Pigtail

A short curled or connecting length in some wiring contexts. Identify the actual conductor and purpose, not just the nickname.

Used in: Electricians.

Plant room

The space housing relevant pool equipment. Access, ventilation, segregation, electrical safety and chemical arrangements need proper planning rather than treating it as general household storage.

Used in: Pool specialists.

Playback

Reviewing stored footage. Successful live viewing alone does not prove recording, retention or export are working.

Used in: Security and cctv installers.

Pool shock

An informal treatment description. It must not become a guessed chemical dose; use competent assessment, product instructions and the actual treatment regime.

Used in: Pool specialists.

Pot

Common shorthand for a chimney pot. The word does not specify its condition, stability, suitability or the terminal arrangement required for a particular appliance.

Used in: Chimney sweeps.

Powerflush

A familiar description of one cleaning approach. It is not automatically necessary or suitable for every system; diagnose condition and follow an appropriate treatment specification.

Used in: Heating engineers.

Proof it

Informal shorthand for closing pest access routes. Identify each opening and the suitable detail rather than seal everything indiscriminately.

Used in: Pest control professionals.

Proud

Projecting beyond the intended adjacent face, as when a screw head has not finished flush.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

PV

Photovoltaic electricity generation. It differs from solar thermal water heating, despite both being called solar in conversation.

Used in: Solar and renewables installers.

Rad

Short for radiator. Specify the location and actual emitter on a work order rather than assuming everyone means the same one.

Used in: Gas and heating engineers.

Rads

Common shorthand for radiators. A quotation should identify type, dimensions, output assumptions, valves and the work included rather than simply count rads.

Used in: Heating engineers.

Ramp

Workshop shorthand commonly used for a vehicle lift. Confirm the actual equipment and safe arrangements rather than assume every raised platform has the same capability.

Used in: Mechanics.

Rebar

Widely used shorthand for reinforcing bar. Orders and checks still need the specified grade, size, bar marks and quantities rather than the nickname alone.

Used in: Steel fixers.

Reveal

The sides or surfaces of the opening around the window in this context. A note saying fit in reveal still needs a clear bracket and measurement specification.

Used in: Blind installers.

Rip-out

Informal shorthand for removing the existing bathroom. Define isolation, hazardous-material checks, protection, disposal and the boundary of removal in the actual scope.

Used in: Bathroom fitters.

Rodding

Using suitable rods through drainage access. It does not establish where all branches run or whether a pipe has collapsed.

Used in: Drainage contractors.

Roofer’s mate

Someone assisting a roofer. The title alone does not establish training, competence or permitted tasks.

Used in: Roofers.

Rough as

A deliberately unfinished expression of disapproval. It is not a useful description for a snagging report.

Used in: Builders.

Round

Common shorthand for a group of recurring customers or visits. It is a business description, not a promise of earnings, transferable contracts or guaranteed retention.

Used in: Window cleaners.

Run

A continuous route or length of pipework; other trades use it for cables, cabinets and similar sequences. State the endpoints.

Used in: Plumbers.

Salt bloom

An informal description of visible salt deposits. Appearance alone does not identify the moisture source or correct repair.

Used in: Damp and timber specialists.

Sarnie

A sandwich. Often found in the same lunchbox as a tape measure that should not be there.

Used in: Builders.

Scran

Food, especially a site meal. Regional usage varies; it is not a formal break category.

Scribe

Mark or cut a piece to fit the shape of an adjoining surface, such as a skirting board against an uneven wall.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Scribe in

Fit an edge to an irregular adjoining surface. It is more precise than hiding every uneven junction with sealant.

Used in: Kitchen and bathroom fitters.

Second fix

A later fitting-out stage, commonly after plastering. Do not assume the phrase includes every test or final decoration.

Used in: Builders.

Shy

Slightly short of a reference line or face. Too vague for a critical dimension without a measurement.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Side room

Trade shorthand for available clearance beside an opening. Confirm how it is measured and compare it with the selected system rather than a generic rule.

Used in: Garage-door installers.

Skew nailing

Driving nails at an angle into a joint. It is a technique, not evidence that a structural connection is adequate.

Used in: Carpenters and joiners.

Snag

A defect, omission or unfinished detail noted for correction. A snagging list should describe location and action clearly.

Snagging

The process of identifying and recording defects or unfinished items. It does not certify structural or regulatory compliance.

Used in: Builders.

Snots

Unwanted blobs or protrusions of mortar, plaster or adhesive. What needs removing depends on the material and stage.

Used in: Builders.

Sparkle clean

A finishing clean before occupation or handover. The marketing phrase is not a precise scope by itself.

Used in: Cleaning and restoration professionals.

Sparky

An electrician. Fine in conversation, but use the actual trade and scope on a quotation.

Used in: Electricians.

Spoil

Material excavated from the ground. It is not automatically clean or suitable for reuse.

Used in: Groundworkers.

Spread

A plasterer. The person responsible for the smooth finish, not the lunchtime sandwich filling.

Used in: Plasterers.

Spreader

Another informal name for a plasterer; usage varies by area and crew.

Used in: Plasterers.

Steel day

Informal programme shorthand for installing structural members. It is not a temporary-works or lifting plan, and it does not define the required inspections.

Used in: Loft-conversion specialists.

Strip off

Remove an existing covering in this context. Agree protection, disposal and temporary weathering before the work starts.

Used in: Roofers.

Strip out

Remove the specified existing fittings or fabric. It does not mean every hidden element may be disturbed without assessment.

Used in: Demolition and waste contractors.

Subbie

A subcontractor. Contract, insurance and task responsibilities still need to be clear.

Tacker

Site shorthand which may refer to a board-fixing worker. Confirm actual tasks and competence rather than assume the nickname includes system design or finishing.

Used in: Dryliners.

Tag

A visible status indicator in some inspection systems. It does not replace the required inspection process or records.

Used in: Scaffolders and access specialists.

Tail

A short connecting section, such as a tap tail or radiator tail. State which fitting and size are needed.

Used in: Plumbers.

Tethered

A chargepoint with an attached cable. The word says nothing by itself about compatibility with a particular car.

Used in: Ev chargepoint installers.

The merchant

The builders’ merchant or trade supplier. A visit for one fitting can somehow become an entire morning.

Used in: Builders.

Toolbox talk

A short work-focused safety discussion. It supports, rather than replaces, training, planning and supervision.

Trad

Informal shorthand for traditional hand-tool window cleaning. It describes a method, not a universal quality grade or permission to use unsafe access.

Used in: Window cleaners.

Tripping

A protective device operating. It describes an event, not the fault diagnosis or proof that the device is defective.

Used in: Electricians.

Trunking

An enclosure or route for cables. Saying the cable is in trunking does not establish that it is suitably protected or installed.

Used in: Electricians.

TV connecting cable

A short connecting cable between equipment or an outlet and receiver. A fault in this small part can be different from a fault on the roof.

Used in: Aerial installers.

Weeping

A small escape of water at a joint or component. Small does not mean harmless when the joint is concealed.

Used in: Plumbers.

Whacker

An informal name used for a plate compactor. Confirm the actual equipment needed and its safe use.

This meaning: Landscapers.

Informal name for a plate compactor, derived from a well-known equipment name. Confirm the actual machine needed.

This meaning: Groundworkers.

Used in: Groundworkers, Landscapers.

Woodworm

A broad everyday term for wood-boring insect damage. Old holes do not automatically establish current activity or the need for treatment.

Used in: Damp and timber specialists.

Wrap the house

Informal shorthand sometimes used for external envelope work. Specify insulation, weathering, openings, fire and ventilation details separately.

Used in: Insulation and retrofit installers.