hod carrier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Construction; sometimes used in figurative, informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hod carrier” mean?
A construction worker who carries a hod (a portable trough for bricks or mortar) and assists bricklayers or masons by supplying materials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A construction worker who carries a hod (a portable trough for bricks or mortar) and assists bricklayers or masons by supplying materials.
By metaphorical extension, a person who performs basic, labor-intensive, or supporting tasks within a system or organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and recognized in both varieties, but is perhaps slightly more established in British construction terminology. The core concept is identical.
Connotations
Carries the same core connotation of physical, supportive labor in both varieties. May be used slightly more often in metaphorical British journalistic or political commentary.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both regions. Frequency is limited to specific occupational contexts or deliberate figurative use.
Grammar
How to Use “hod carrier” in a Sentence
The bricklayer was assisted by a hod carrier.He started his career as a hod carrier.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically to describe junior staff performing essential but unglamorous tasks.
Academic
Virtually non-existent, except in historical or sociological studies of labor.
Everyday
Very rare. Most non-construction workers would not use or know the term.
Technical
Standard, specific term within the construction industry for that specific role.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hod carrier”
- Misspelling as 'hot carrier'.
- Using it as a general term for any manual laborer without the specific connotation of supplying materials.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a recognized and specific role within traditional bricklaying in the UK and other regions, though the term is less common in modern, highly-mechanized sites where materials may be delivered by crane or forklift.
A 'hod carrier' is a specific type of construction labourer whose main task is to supply bricks and mortar using a hod. A 'labourer' is a more general term for any unskilled or semi-skilled worker on a site.
Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe someone who does the heavy lifting or basic, thankless tasks in any organization or project.
No, the job title is gender-neutral in modern usage, though historically the role was predominantly male. One would say 'she is a hod carrier'.
A construction worker who carries a hod (a portable trough for bricks or mortar) and assists bricklayers or masons by supplying materials.
Hod carrier is usually technical/construction; sometimes used in figurative, informal contexts. in register.
Hod carrier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒd ˌkæriə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːd ˌkæriər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOD (like 'hot' but with a 'd') being CARRIED on a shoulder. It's a job where you CARRY a HOD.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS CARRYING; A HIERARCHY IS A CONSTRUCTION SITE (where the 'hod carrier' is at the bottom).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary responsibility of a hod carrier?