Trucker Lingo: Common Terms Every HGV Driver Needs to Know

When you hear a driver say trucker lingo, the informal vocabulary used by heavy goods vehicle drivers to communicate on the road. Also known as truckers’ slang, it’s not just jargon—it’s a survival tool. If you don’t know what "dogging" or "bin lorry" means, you’re not just sounding out of place—you’re missing critical info that could affect your safety, timing, and even your job.

Trucker lingo isn’t random. It’s shaped by decades of real-world needs: quick communication over crackly radios, avoiding confusion in busy yards, and cutting through red tape with clear terms. In the UK, you’ll hear bin lorry, the official British term for a garbage collection truck instead of "trash truck." You’ll hear "dustcart" in older drivers’ conversations. These aren’t just synonyms—they’re legal terms used in council routes and HGV licensing materials. If you’re studying for your Class 1 test, knowing these terms isn’t optional. The DVSA expects you to understand them.

Then there’s the radio talk: "10-4," "good buddy," "watch your six," "dogging" (when someone tails you too close), "butterfly" (a wide load), and "chicken coop" (a weigh station). These aren’t just fun phrases—they’re shorthand for danger, distance, and direction. A driver saying "watch your six" isn’t being friendly; they’re warning you someone’s right behind you. In heavy traffic or on narrow country roads, that kind of warning saves lives. And it’s not just about trucks. Council workers, warehouse staff, and even other road users use these terms. If you don’t know what "butterfly" means, you might not realize a 30-foot-wide load is coming your way—and that’s not something you want to learn the hard way.

Some terms are region-specific. In Scotland, you might hear "trolley" for a delivery van. In London, "lorry" is still the default, not "truck." Even "HGV" itself is British—Americans say "semi" or "18-wheeler." If you’re training for a UK license, you need to speak the local language. That’s why posts on this site cover everything from official HGV titles to what British drivers call waste vehicles. You won’t find "garbage truck" in a UK driving manual—you’ll find "bin lorry." And if you’re preparing for your test or starting your first job, that difference matters.

Trucker lingo isn’t about sounding cool. It’s about being understood. When you’re tired, stressed, or stuck in traffic, clear communication is your best safety net. And if you’re trying to learn the ropes, knowing these terms helps you ask the right questions, follow instructions, and build trust with instructors and employers. The posts below give you the real, practical list of terms you’ll actually hear on the job—from road signs to radio codes, from licensing jargon to everyday slang. No theory. No fluff. Just the words you need to know to drive, talk, and survive on UK roads.