English

Alternative forms

• hash-slinger

Noun

hash slinger ‎(plural hash slingers)

1. (chiefly US, idiomatic) A cook or food server in a cheap restaurant, especially one who is discourteous or inattentive to customers.
   • 1904, "The Evolution and Passing of the Popular Fifteen Cent Lunch," Weekly News-Review (Indiana, USA), 8 April, p. 1 (retrieved 5 Dec 2010):

     At first the spread was not very elaborate. . . . Originally it consisted of a chunk of well greased sole leather served hot, two boiled potatoes, a cup of muddy coffee, a bold of bread, a grunt or growl from the hash slinger, and, in warm weather, a few flies.

   • 1929, "Says Customer Has Desire To Tip Waitresses," San Jose Evening News, 21 June, p. 6 (retrieved 5 Dec 2010):

     The ‘hash-slinger’ type of waitress of former years has disappeared from the great majority of restaurants.

   • 2008, Nick Canepa, "Tiger, Torrey triumph," San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June, p. A1 (retrieved 5 Dec 2010):

     San Diego still has trouble making up its mind as to which it wants to be—a hash-slinger or a gourmet chef.

References

• hash slinger at OneLook Dictionary Search