Barback

Origin

bar + back, due to working in the back area of the bar (not interacting with patrons), reinforced by “to have someone’s back” meaning “to support, assist someone”. Compare back of house and back office.

Full definition of barback

Noun

1. (bartending) An assistant to a bartender
• 2000, December 1, Jack Helbig, Reindeer Games, Cerda moved to Chicago and worked at a series of bars and clubs: the Orbit Room, the Paradise Club, even a stint at Limelight, where he supplemented his earnings as a barback by performing as Nina Hagen in one of the cages.

Synonyms

• runner Britain

Verb

1. To work as a barback.

Related terms

• back of house
• back office