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boilermaker

A word doing double duty: in its literal sense, a boilermaker is a skilled tradesperson who fabricates and maintains large metal vessels, boilers, and pressure systems.

ˈbɔɪləɹmeɪkɚhistorical239 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

A word doing double duty: in its literal sense, a boilermaker is a skilled tradesperson who fabricates and maintains large metal vessels, boilers, and pressure systems. In its far more enjoyable slang sense, a boilermaker is the classic American working-man's drink — a shot of whiskey dropped into or served alongside a pint of beer. The combination is unapologetically no-frills: strong, fast, and designed for people who've earned their drink after a hard shift.

After the last whistle blew on Friday, the crew headed straight to the bar and ordered boilermakers all around.
Origin: The drink likely takes its name from the tradespeople who worked near foundry boilers and were known for hard drinking; documented in American saloon culture from at least the late 19th century. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

A person qualified to make or repair boilers.

For parents

Boilermaker means: A person qualified to make or repair boilers.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

boilermaker means: A person qualified to make or repair boilers.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(US) A whiskey with a beer chaser.

Cluster: alcohol
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