Baw-jur
Noun
A derogatory term for a tradesperson who does shoddy work
Example usage: The plumber was such a bodger, he hadn't even finished the job.
Most used in: UK English.
Most used by: Tradespeople in the UK.
Popularity: 7/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
What is a Bodger in Carpenter Construction?
A bodger is a term used in carpentry to describe a worker that specializes in producing rough and ready pieces of furniture, usually with an artistic flare. They are typically employed by larger construction companies to produce pieces that are quickly made and are often made from recycled materials.
Bodgers were historically found in rural areas of Britain, and were known for their skills in producing chairs, tables, and other furniture from pieces of wood that were often sourced from local woods and forests. They were also skilled in using green wood, which is wood that has been freshly cut from a tree and has not been dried. This type of wood is particularly difficult to work with, and bodgers were known for their ability to work with it.
Today, the term “bodger” is still used in carpentry, but it has taken on a different meaning. It is now used to refer to a person who produces furniture quickly and cheaply, often with little attention to detail or craftsmanship. This type of work is often done as a way to save money, as it requires less time and effort than traditional carpentry.
The number of bodgers in the carpentry industry is declining, as modern technology has made it easier to produce furniture in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. However, the skills and techniques used by bodgers are still appreciated, and many modern carpenters still employ them to produce unique and interesting pieces of furniture.
The Origins of the Term 'Bodger'
The term 'bodger' is a term used to describe a carpenter who works with green (unseasoned) wood. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, England. In the region, the word ‘bodger’ was used to describe a person who worked as a itinerant woodturner.
The woodturners would travel from village to village in the Chiltern Hills, taking orders from local people for wooden items such as chair legs, spindles and wood for furniture. They would then cut the wood on site, using a pole lathe, and fashion it into the desired shape.
The term ‘bodger’ has since expanded to include any carpenter who works with green wood, and is still commonly used in the UK today. It is believed that the term was derived from the word ‘bodge’, which means to work in an untidy or slipshod way.
