Top 17 Slang For Janitor – Meaning & Usage

Ever wondered how the unsung heroes of our schools and offices are referred to in the world of slang? Well, wonder no more! We’ve gathered the most popular and quirky terms used to describe janitors in our latest listicle. Get ready to chuckle and maybe even learn a new phrase or two as we dive into the amusing world of slang for janitor.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Custodian

A custodian is someone who is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of a building or facility. They ensure that the space is clean, safe, and well-maintained.

For example, “The custodian is in charge of emptying the trash bins and mopping the floors.”
In a school setting, a teacher might say, “Please let the custodian know if there’s a spill in the hallway.”
A custodian might be praised for their hard work with a comment like, “Thank you to our amazing custodian for keeping our office spotless!”

2. Jani

This is a shortened form of the word “janitor,” which refers to a person employed to clean and maintain a building or facility. “Jani” is a casual and informal term used to refer to someone in this role.

For instance, “I’ll let the jani know about the broken light in the bathroom.”
In a conversation about office maintenance, someone might say, “We should hire a jani to keep the place tidy.”
A janitor might introduce themselves by saying, “Hi, I’m the jani here. Let me know if you need anything cleaned up.”

3. Sanitation engineer

A sanitation engineer is a humorous and exaggerated term used to describe a janitor. It implies that the person is an expert in cleaning and maintaining sanitary conditions.

For example, “Our sanitation engineer does an incredible job keeping the facility clean and germ-free.”
In a discussion about the importance of cleanliness, someone might say, “Sanitation engineers play a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases.”
A janitor might embrace the term and say, “I may not have an engineering degree, but I’m a pro at keeping things clean as a sanitation engineer!”

4. Maintenance technician

A maintenance technician is someone who is responsible for repairing and maintaining equipment and systems in a building or facility. While not specifically referring to a janitor, it can be used interchangeably to describe someone who performs janitorial tasks as part of their maintenance responsibilities.

For instance, “The maintenance technician fixed the leaky faucet and cleaned up the water.”
In a conversation about facility management, someone might say, “We need a skilled maintenance technician who can handle both repairs and cleaning.”
A maintenance technician who also takes care of janitorial duties might say, “I’m a maintenance technician by title, but I’m also the go-to person for cleaning up messes.”

5. Cleaner

A cleaner is a broad term used to describe someone who is responsible for cleaning and tidying up a space. While not specific to the role of a janitor, it can be used to refer to someone who performs janitorial tasks.

For example, “The cleaner comes in every evening to ensure the office is spotless.”
In a conversation about hiring cleaning staff, someone might say, “We’re looking for experienced cleaners who can maintain a high standard of cleanliness.”
A janitor might introduce themselves by saying, “I’m the cleaner here. I’ll make sure everything is neat and tidy.”

6. Housekeeper

A housekeeper is a person employed to manage a household and perform various cleaning tasks. The term is often used interchangeably with janitor, although it typically implies a focus on domestic cleaning rather than maintenance of larger buildings or facilities.

For example, someone might say, “We hired a housekeeper to come in twice a week and keep our home tidy.”
In a discussion about household chores, one might mention, “My mom works as a housekeeper at a hotel.”
A person might ask, “Does anyone know a good housekeeper in the area?”

7. Caretaker

A caretaker is someone who takes care of a building or property, often performing maintenance and cleaning duties. While the term can refer to various roles, it is commonly used as a synonym for janitor.

For instance, a school might have a caretaker responsible for cleaning classrooms and maintaining the grounds.
In a conversation about facility management, one might say, “The caretaker does a great job of keeping everything in order.”
A person might inquire, “Is the caretaker available to fix a leak in the bathroom?”

8. Sweeper

A sweeper is a person who cleans floors, typically using a broom or vacuum cleaner. While the term can refer to a specific task, it is often used as a slang term for janitor.

For example, a janitorial staff member might be referred to as the “sweeper” of a building.
In a conversation about cleaning techniques, one might say, “The sweeper does a thorough job of removing dirt and debris.”
A person might ask, “Do you know where I can find the sweeper? I need to report a spill in the hallway.”

9. Scrubber

A scrubber is a person who cleans surfaces or objects, typically using a brush or other cleaning tool. The term can be used as a slang term for janitor, often emphasizing the physical act of scrubbing.

For instance, someone might say, “The scrubber did a great job of removing the stains from the floor.”
In a discussion about cleaning products, one might mention, “The scrubber uses a strong detergent to tackle tough grime.”
A person might inquire, “Can you recommend a good scrubber for cleaning tile?”

10. Custodial engineer

A custodial engineer is a professional responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of a building or facility. The term is often used as a more formal or technical alternative to janitor.

For example, a large company might employ a custodial engineer to oversee the cleaning and maintenance of their office spaces.
In a conversation about facility management, one might say, “The custodial engineer ensures that everything is in working order.”
A person might ask, “Is the custodial engineer available to fix a broken light fixture?”

11. Facility maintenance worker

A facility maintenance worker, also known as a custodian, is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of a building or facility. They perform tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and emptying trash.

For example, “The facility maintenance worker is responsible for keeping the office building clean and presentable.”
In a conversation about building maintenance, one might say, “The custodian does a great job of keeping everything in order.”
A facility manager might assign a task to a custodian by saying, “Can you please clean the restrooms? It’s the custodian’s responsibility.”

12. Maintenance worker

A maintenance worker, often referred to as a janitor, is responsible for the upkeep and cleaning of a building or facility. They perform tasks such as repairing equipment, fixing leaks, and ensuring cleanliness.

For instance, “The janitor is responsible for fixing any plumbing issues in the building.”
In a conversation about building maintenance, one might say, “The maintenance worker does a great job of keeping everything in working order.”
A building superintendent might assign a task to a janitor by saying, “Can you please clean the lobby? It’s the janitor’s responsibility.”

13. Building superintendent

A building superintendent is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operation of a building or facility. They manage tasks such as repairs, cleaning, and tenant relations.

For example, “The super is always available to address any issues in the building.”
In a conversation about building management, one might say, “The building superintendent plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the facility.”
A facility manager might delegate a task to a building superintendent by saying, “Can you please handle the tenant complaint? It’s the super’s responsibility.”

14. Facility manager

A facility manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operation, and management of a building or facility. They coordinate tasks such as cleaning, repairs, security, and budgeting.

For instance, “The facilities guru ensures that everything runs smoothly in the building.”
In a conversation about building management, one might say, “The facility manager is the go-to person for any facility-related issues.”
A building owner might discuss the role of a facility manager by saying, “Having a competent facilities guru is essential for maintaining the value of the property.”

15. Groundskeeper

A groundskeeper is responsible for the maintenance and care of outdoor areas, such as parks, gardens, or sports fields. They perform tasks such as mowing lawns, planting flowers, and trimming trees.

For example, “The outdoor custodian keeps the park clean and well-maintained.”
In a conversation about landscaping, one might say, “The groundskeeper does a fantastic job of keeping the grounds beautiful.”
A park manager might assign a task to a groundskeeper by saying, “Can you please plant new flowers? It’s the groundskeeper’s responsibility.”

16. Handyman

A term used to describe someone who is skilled in a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks. While not specific to janitorial work, “handyman” is sometimes used as a slang term for a janitor who is responsible for various tasks.

For example, someone might say, “Our office handyman is always fixing things around the building.”
In a conversation about building maintenance, one might mention, “The handyman is in charge of cleaning, repairs, and other odd jobs.”
A janitor who is skilled in multiple areas might refer to themselves as a “handyman janitor.”

17. Environmental services technician

This term is often used in healthcare settings to refer to janitors who are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of infections. The term “environmental services technician” emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and sanitary environment.

For instance, someone might say, “The hospital’s environmental services technicians work tirelessly to keep the facility clean and safe.”
In a discussion about healthcare professions, one might mention, “Environmental services technicians play a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired infections.”
A janitor working in a healthcare facility might introduce themselves as an “environmental services technician.”