In every job, there are important terms that workers should know in order to communicate swiftly with others and ensure everything runs smoothly. Aside from official industry terminology, there are also “secret languages” that emerge, created and used by those who have spent considerable time in their respective fields and have encountered similar situations repeatedly. If you drive for a living, whether as a taxi driver or a delivery driver, these are the 10 slang terms you need to know to keep up with the fast-paced environment. These terms are part of a linguistic culture that helps drivers navigate their daily routines and interact efficiently with colleagues and passengers alike.
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1. Deadhead
Despite sounding a bit ominous, the term “deadhead” is completely harmless. If you ever hear a taxi driver or delivery driver mention it, they’re referring to driving without a passenger or delivery. This situation results in lost time and fuel as drivers head back to a more populated area or wait for a new fare. A “deadhead” is essentially a wasted journey, often dreaded by drivers due to the added costs without any return.
2. Surge Sharking
Like a shark circling its prey, some taxi drivers or rideshare app drivers wait for fares to increase before accepting rides. However, instead of hunting for food, they’re hunting for better earnings. This tactic, known as surge sharking, involves waiting for a price surge to occur, ensuring the driver makes the most money during peak times. Surge sharking requires an awareness of the app’s pricing system, and drivers use this knowledge to maximise their earnings when they only have a limited number of hours available.
3. Ghost Order
Contrary to what the term might suggest, ghost orders are not supernatural in nature. Instead, this slang refers to a situation in which a delivery order is cancelled after the driver has already picked it up, leaving the driver to complete a journey for no payment. It’s a frustrating occurrence, especially if the driver has already made their way to the delivery point, only to find out the order is no longer valid.
4. The Pit
If you overhear a taxi or rideshare driver talking about “the pit”, don’t assume they are discussing the latest episode of Noah Wyle’s HBO series about a Pittsburgh hospital. The pit is actually the nickname given to high-traffic pickup zones, particularly at airports or large event venues. These areas, while typically busy, aren’t always ideal for picking up passengers due to the congestion and long waiting times that often come with them. Drivers tend to avoid the pit unless they’re desperate for a fare.
5. Stacked Orders
While this might sound like a strategy in a competitive game, “stacked orders” refers to a tactic often used by food delivery drivers. It happens when a driver picks up multiple orders for different customers during a single trip. This helps drivers increase their earnings by making fewer trips, maximising the time spent on the road. Stacking orders is especially common in busy urban areas, where demand for food delivery is high.
6. Pax
This term has nothing to do with the 2001 film starring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. In the world of taxi and rideshare driving, “pax” is short for “passenger.” It’s a quick and easy way for drivers to refer to those they’re transporting without wasting time on extra syllables. In many ways, it’s part of the driver’s shorthand to ensure communication is as efficient as possible, especially in high-pressure situations.
7. Flagger
While many taxi rides today are booked through apps, the traditional way of hailing a cab is still alive and well. A “flagger” is a passenger who hails a taxi directly from the street. Drivers will often spot flaggers as they look for new fares to pick up. This term is a holdover from a time when most people simply raised their hand to signal a taxi, and it remains part of the lingo today.
8. Parcel Pirate
You’ve likely seen the viral videos of people stealing packages from doorsteps or porches. In the world of delivery drivers, these criminals are known as “parcel pirates.” It’s a term used to describe individuals who intercept and steal packages that were meant for customers, often during the final stages of delivery. These “pirates” can be a significant challenge for delivery drivers, especially in urban areas where package thefts are more common.
9. Long Haul
While “long haul” might be a familiar term to truck drivers who spend hours on the road, taxi drivers and passengers sometimes use it in a different context. In the taxi world, a “long haul” refers to a trip that is longer than necessary. This can happen when a driver chooses a longer route to increase the fare, a practice that’s often frowned upon by passengers. However, when this happens without the passenger’s knowledge, it can lead to some frustration, as the ride ends up costing more than expected.
10. No-Show
Similar to how a “ghost order” might haunt a delivery driver, a “no-show” refers to a passenger who orders a taxi or rideshare but then fails to appear when the driver arrives. It’s a common issue for drivers who waste time waiting at the pickup location, only to drive away empty. The no-show creates unnecessary delays, as drivers are left trying to track down the passenger or continue to another location in hopes of finding a fare.
Conclusion
Taxi and delivery drivers share a unique linguistic culture that helps them navigate the demands and frustrations of their jobs. From managing inefficient routes and cancelled orders to dealing with unruly passengers and potential package thieves, slang terms provide drivers with a quick and easy way to communicate. While these terms might seem cryptic to outsiders, they are essential for drivers to maintain efficiency and maximise their earnings in an often unpredictable job. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, understanding this “secret language” is crucial for staying connected to the community of drivers who make up the backbone of the transportation and delivery sectors.