Unusual construction terms
This article presents a list of unusual terms that might be encountered in the construction industry. Click on the terms to find their definition.
- Adit.
- Aeolian.
- Angstloch.
- Avulsion.
- Anastomosed
- Blockhead.
- Brander.
- Brattishing.
- Bressumer.
- Brunnel.
- Bungaroosh.
- Burr.
- Cassie.
- Cat's paw figure.
- Clast.
- Clunch.
- Crinkle crankle wall.
- Crocket.
- Crotch figure.
- Crown o' the causey.
- Crizzling.
- Cullet.
- Dalle-de-verre.
- Dogtooth.
- Dooks.
- Dunnage.
- Dwang.
- Exedra
- Façon de Venise.
- Faience.
- Finial.
- Flitch beam.
- Frit.
- Gley.
- Grandfathering.
- Grog.
- Guerite.
- Ha-ha.
- Hibernacula.
- Hoggin.
- Hop-over.
- Horror vacui.
- Hungry joints.
- Hunky punk.
- Ish.
- Joggle.
- Lehr.
- Lynchet.
- Mundic.
- Moil.
- Nappy.
- Natron.
- Nogging.
- Onigawara.
- Pantograph.
- Poka-yoke.
- Poche.
- Prunt.
- Pteron.
- Punty rod or pontil rod.
- Putlog hole.
- Raggle.
- Rhyne.
- Rill.
- Ripple figure.
- Riprap.
- Running dog.
- Sharawadgi.
- Skewputt.
- Slype.
- Sneck.
- Spalting.
- Swarf.
- Stoplog.
- Thalweg.
- Togher.
- Tubercle.
- Tundish.
- Twitten / Twitting / Ginnel.
- Waney edged.
- Wheeler.
- Whinstone.
- Wig-wag signals.
- Witches' hat.
- Yimby.
- Ziggurat.
See also:
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.
Building Safety Regulator, 19 August
Gill Kernick appointed Independent Chair of Residents’ Panel.
Connecting knowledge, technology and conservation
Building competence for the future of built heritage.






















Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.
Fascinating list - please keep adding to it.