why do we call workmen who do shoddy work, COWBOYS?

Question

I am from England. Cowboy is slang for Shoddy Workmen

Answer 1

rough

Answer 2

While I haven't been able to trace documentation for this, I think the term 'cowboy' in the UK for a rogue workman refers to someone nomadic.

I think the image of cowboys is that they move around a lot and so aren't dependable. They also take temporary jobs.

Typically a 'cowboy' builder will want payment in cash, and will be impossible to get back if a problem appears with shoddy workmanship.

Answer 3

In the UK, bad workmen, who produce bad and shoddy work, are known as Cowboys. I assume it is based on the gun-happy, brawling, drinking, rip-roaring cowboys shown in Westerns on UK cinemas.

Answer 4

Where are you from? I've never heard them called cowboys. I've heard people who are tend to follow their own rules and work alone that. I'm in Texas though, maybe that has something to do with it.

What we call sorry workmen around here isn't printable on Yahoo, heh.

Answer 5

I confirm what Rod says, that it is a UK expression for a bad workman who does not follow the normal practises, ethics etc of his trade. My dictionary of slang says the usage dates from the 1960s, but gives no reason or origin for the usage. Interestingly enough, it also states that the expression was used in the USA in the 1920 for a bad driver.

Answer 6

I've never heard this before but I can guess. I've worked on farms and ranches and one thing is common, they get by with what they have. If the tractor breaks down, rarely is there money to have it repaired correctly but they get the job done with duct tape and bailing wire. On the farm, we call it niggerr rigged. Sounds hatefull but is actually a compliment to the ingenuity.

Answer 7

I have heard cowboy used for a rash person, perhaps it is related to that, that they do not take the time to fully plan their actions.

Answer 8

I've never heard the term used that way (in FL, CA, VA, IL, MA, RI, NH, VT, ME, WY...).