L.A. SPEAK
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Line Lingo From the DWP
agony irons: n. boot-mounted hooks used to climb a pole. “We won’t have a bucket truck today. Looks like I’ll have to wear my agony irons all day.”
grunt sack: n. a canvas bag used to carry tools up to a line worker.
headache: n. warning that an object is falling from a pole. “Hey! Headache coming your way!”
hog wagon: n. a temporary, wheeled transformer. See pig.
hot lead: n. warning that a pole-perched worker is about to spit downward. “Look out! Hot lead coming down.”
pig: n. a transformer, which is round and fat.
scare strap: n. a leather belt that secures a worker to a pole.
scissor bill: n. an untrained worker. Origin unclear.
snipe: n. the top of a pole.
squeak: n. an apprentice.
stick: n. a power pole.
war wagon: n. a truck that primarily serves homes; from its resemblance to a military vehicle.
white hat: n. the foreman of a line crew.
woopie: n. a sling used to raise or lower a transformer.
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