go-devil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Technical (logging, agriculture, oil industry); Regional (esp. North America, rural); Archaic/Historical.
Quick answer
What does “go-devil” mean?
A heavy, weighted sled used for clearing land, logging, or agricultural purposes, historically dragged by animals or vehicles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy, weighted sled used for clearing land, logging, or agricultural purposes, historically dragged by animals or vehicles.
1. A simple, sturdy vehicle or device used for rough transportation over difficult terrain. 2. A device used in the oil industry for cleaning pipelines or for explosive clearing of obstructions. 3. A type of fishing lure or a makeshift device. 4. (Archaic) A reckless or daring person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily American in origin and usage. In British English, it is extremely rare and would likely be understood only in historical or very specific technical contexts (e.g., oil industry documentation). Equivalent British terms for the core sled might be 'drag sled' or 'skid'.
Connotations
In American English (particularly rural/regional), it can carry connotations of pioneer spirit, practicality, and rough ingenuity. In British English, it is an unfamiliar Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in UK English. In US English, it remains a low-frequency, specialized term.
Grammar
How to Use “go-devil” in a Sentence
[subject] used/employed a go-devil to [verb] (logs/land/pipe).The [object] was cleared/moved with a go-devil.They sent a go-devil down the pipeline.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused in general business. Specific to operational contexts in forestry, agriculture, or oil/gas (e.g., 'Schedule a go-devil run for the pipeline section').
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical, agricultural, or industrial engineering texts discussing period tools/techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary everyday conversation outside specific rural/regional communities with historical ties to logging or farming.
Technical
Used as a specific term for pipeline cleaning/scraping tools in the oil/gas industry, and for certain types of sleds in forestry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “go-devil”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “go-devil”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go-devil”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We need to go-devil the logs').
- Using it in general contexts where more common words like 'sled' or 'tool' are appropriate.
- Misunderstanding its specific industrial meanings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency term. Its use is largely confined to specific technical fields (like oil and gas pipeline maintenance) and historical discussions about logging or farming. You are unlikely to encounter it in everyday modern English.
In archaic or very old-fashioned colloquial use, it could describe a reckless, energetic, or formidable person (e.g., 'He's a real go-devil on the racetrack'). This usage is now extremely rare and considered obsolete.
A go-devil is a simple, unpowered sled dragged by animals, tractors, or winches. A skidder is a modern, powerful motorised vehicle (like a specialised tractor) specifically designed for dragging logs. The skidder replaced the go-devil in most commercial operations.
The 'devil' part is used figuratively, much like in terms such as 'dust devil' or 'printer's devil'. It suggests something formidable, energetic, or tough that gets a difficult job done, not something evil.
A heavy, weighted sled used for clearing land, logging, or agricultural purposes, historically dragged by animals or vehicles.
Go-devil is usually technical (logging, agriculture, oil industry); regional (esp. north america, rural); archaic/historical. in register.
Go-devil: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ ˌdɛv(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ ˌdɛv(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run/go like a go-devil: To move very fast or forcefully (archaic/colloquial).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a heavy sled (GOing) that is so tough and effective it's like a (DEVIL) for hard work.
Conceptual Metaphor
UTILITY IS RUGGEDNESS / A TOOL IS A FORCE OF NATURE (implied by 'devil').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'go-devil' most likely be used correctly today?