probie

See also: próbie

English

Alternative forms

• proby

Etymology

From probationary +‎ -ie.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

probie (plural probies)

1. (slang) Someone holding a position on a probationary basis, subject to performance or examination.
   • 1996, David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest […], Boston, Mass.; New York, N.Y.: Little, Brown and Company, →ISBN, page 444:

     He's no closer to carrying out the suggestion of the 3rd Step than the day the Probie drove him over to his halfway house from Peabody Holding.

2. (slang, firefighting) A neophyte firefighter.
   • 1997. Steve Delson. "The Fire Inside: Firefighters Talk About Their Lives", Page 41

     A probie never complains. A probie keeps his mouth shut, his eyes open. A probie is never idle. A probie is always learning or drilling or cleaning. That's why you're still called a probie: for one year after you leave training school.