What do Americans think of the way British use the word 'Cowboy'?

Question

In Britain we use the word 'Cowboy' as a derogative term for workmen without proffesional standards, usually poor quality workers, charging a high price for poor quality work.
How do Americans think of this use, don't real Cowboys do a good job?

When the British use the term they are refering to British workers, such as tarmac layers, but not the ones who do good jobs.

Answer 1

American cowboys don't get caught up in the name useage.
Real Cowboys are hard workers and usually are not getting high pay. Cowboy is more of a lifestyle found in the midwest. In America we call the people you are describing as Corporate America. Our low paid workers with marginal quality work is dayworkers "illegal immigrants".

Answer 2

Cowboys are loved and adored in America. They are rugged Western men who do very good work and are quite charming. But Americans also use the term cowboy to describe a man who is a bit wild and rowdy. I didn't know the Brits used the term cowboy for bad workmen. Interesting : )

Answer 3

Never heard of that word used in this manner. Most Americans would be shocked to hear this. Cowboys are seen as hard- working, strong, fun-loving and earthy. If British people look down on cowboys, then they obviously have no idea as to what cowboys do.

Answer 4

'real cowboys' haven't been around for over 100 years...

and look at the term you use for a smoke and what it means in the US...

Answer 5

Americans don't pay much attention to the way Brits use words. There are plenty of differences so it doesn't make any difference.