Brakie

/ˈbreɪki/ noun

Definition

Slang term for a brakeman or young railroad worker learning the brake trade; also spelled 'brakey.'

Etymology

Diminutive and informal form of brake or brakeman, with the -ie suffix (common in Australian and British slang). Emerged in railroad slang in the late 1800s.

Kelly Says

Railroad slang like 'brakie' created an entire vocabulary that rail workers used to quickly communicate in dangerous situations—these informal terms were actually safety tools.

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