“Slang for Server” may sound like a foreign language to some, but fear not! We at Fluentslang have got you covered. From “86” to “In the Weeds,” our team has compiled a list of the most common and essential terms used in the fast-paced world of serving. Get ready to up your restaurant lingo game and navigate the dining scene like a pro with our comprehensive guide!
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1. Waiter/Waitress
A waiter/waitress is a person who serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. They take orders, bring food to tables, and ensure customer satisfaction.
- For example, “The waiter brought us our menus and took our drink orders.”
- A customer might say, “Excuse me, waitress, could we have some more water?”
- In a review, someone might mention, “The waiters at this restaurant were friendly and attentive.”
2. Server
A server is a general term for a person who serves food and drinks in a restaurant or other dining establishment. It can refer to both waiters/waitresses and other staff members who assist with serving.
- For instance, “The server brought out our appetizers and checked on us throughout the meal.”
- In a conversation, someone might ask, “Who was our server? I want to leave them a tip.”
- A customer might say, “I had a great experience at the restaurant. The servers were all very friendly.”
3. Waitstaff
Waitstaff is a collective term used to refer to all the servers working in a restaurant or establishment. It encompasses both waiters/waitresses and any other staff members involved in serving customers.
- For example, “The waitstaff at this restaurant is always attentive and efficient.”
- A customer might say, “I would like to leave a tip for the waitstaff. Can you split it between all the servers?”
- In a review, someone might comment, “The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations.”
4. Food runner
A food runner is a staff member who is responsible for bringing food from the kitchen to the table. They work closely with the waitstaff to ensure that food is delivered promptly and accurately.
- For instance, “The food runner brought out our entrees and made sure everything was correct.”
- In a conversation, someone might say, “I’ll bring the drinks to the table, and you can be the food runner.”
- A customer might ask, “Could you let the food runner know that our table needs some extra napkins?”
5. Serverette
Serverette is a term used to refer to a female server. It is a gender-specific variation of the term “server” and is sometimes used in a playful or informal manner.
- For example, “The serverette greeted us with a smile and took our drink orders.”
- In a conversation, someone might say, “I’ll be the serverette for the night, and you can be the bartender.”
- A customer might comment, “The serverettes at this establishment are always friendly and attentive.”
6. Waitron
Waitron is a gender-neutral term used to refer to a waiter or waitress. It is a combination of the words “wait” and “patron”.
- For example, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitron, could I get a refill on my drink?”
- In a restaurant review, someone might write, “The waitron provided excellent service throughout the meal.”
- A person discussing job opportunities might say, “I used to work as a waitron during college to earn some extra money.”
7. Waitperson
Waitperson is another gender-neutral term used to refer to a waiter or waitress. It is a combination of the words “wait” and “person”.
- For instance, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitperson, could I have the check?”
- In a conversation about restaurant etiquette, someone might say, “It’s important to be polite and respectful to the waitperson.”
- A restaurant manager might discuss the importance of training waitpersons to provide excellent customer service.
8. Serving staff
Serving staff refers to the collective group of individuals who work as waiters and waitresses in a restaurant. It is a more general term that encompasses all members of the waitstaff.
- For example, a customer might say, “The serving staff at this restaurant is always friendly and attentive.”
- In a discussion about restaurant management, someone might say, “It’s important to provide proper training and support to the serving staff.”
- A person discussing their job might say, “I’ve been working as part of the serving staff at a busy restaurant for the past year.”
9. Front of house
Front of house refers to the area of a restaurant where customers are served, including the dining area and the entrance. It is a term used to distinguish the customer-facing staff from the back of house staff.
- For instance, a restaurant manager might say, “We need to hire more front of house staff to handle the busy weekend shifts.”
- In a conversation about restaurant operations, someone might say, “The front of house staff plays a crucial role in creating a positive dining experience.”
- A person discussing their job might say, “I prefer working in the front of house because I enjoy interacting with customers.”
10. Back of house
Back of house refers to the area of a restaurant where food is prepared and other behind-the-scenes operations take place. It is a term used to distinguish the kitchen staff from the front of house staff.
- For example, a chef might say, “The back of house is where all the magic happens.”
- In a discussion about restaurant organization, someone might say, “Efficient communication between the front of house and back of house is essential for smooth operations.”
- A person discussing their job might say, “I’ve been working in the back of house as a line cook for several years now.”
11. Waitronette
A term used to refer to a female waiter. It is a combination of the words “waitron” and “ette”, which is a suffix often used to denote femininity.
- For example, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitronette, can I get another glass of water?”
- In a restaurant review, someone might write, “The service was excellent, and our waitronette was very attentive.”
- A waiter might introduce themselves by saying, “Hello, my name is Sarah and I’ll be your waitronette tonight.”
12. Waitroness
Similar to “waitronette,” “waitroness” is another term used to refer to a female waiter. It is a combination of the words “waitron” and “ness”, which is a suffix often used to denote femininity.
- For instance, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitroness, can I have the check?”
- In a restaurant review, someone might comment, “The waitroness was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.”
- A waiter might introduce themselves by saying, “Good evening, I’m Emily, your waitroness for tonight.”
13. Waiterboy
A term used to refer to a male waiter. The word “boy” is often added to indicate the person’s gender and occupation.
- For example, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waiterboy, could you bring me some extra napkins?”
- In a restaurant review, someone might write, “The service was top-notch, and the waiterboy was very professional.”
- A waiter might introduce themselves by saying, “Hi, I’m Alex, your waiterboy for this evening.”
14. Waitergirl
Similar to “waiterboy,” “waitergirl” is a term used to refer to a female waiter. The word “girl” is often added to indicate the person’s gender and occupation.
- For instance, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitergirl, can I get a refill on my drink?”
- In a restaurant review, someone might comment, “The waitergirl was attentive and friendly throughout our meal.”
- A waiter might introduce themselves by saying, “Hello, I’m Jessica, your waitergirl for tonight.”
15. Waitronboy
Similar to “waiterboy,” “waitronboy” is a term used to refer to a male waiter. The word “boy” is often added to indicate the person’s gender and occupation.
- For example, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitronboy, could you bring me the dessert menu?”
- In a restaurant review, someone might write, “The waitronboy provided excellent service and made our dining experience memorable.”
- A waiter might introduce themselves by saying, “Good evening, I’m Michael, your waitronboy for tonight.”
16. Waitrongirl
This term is a play on words, combining the words “waitress” and “wrong.” It refers to a female server who consistently gets orders wrong or makes mistakes while serving customers.
- For example, a customer might say, “I can’t believe I got another wrong order from the waitrongirl.”
- In a restaurant review, someone might write, “The food was great, but the waitrongirl kept messing up our orders.”
- A server might joke with their coworkers, “Watch out, the waitrongirl is on duty tonight.”
17. Service staff
This term is a more formal and inclusive way to refer to the collective group of servers and other staff members who provide service in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
- For instance, a manager might say, “All service staff should report to the meeting room for a staff briefing.”
- In a job posting, the requirements might state, “Previous experience in a service staff position is preferred.”
- A customer might ask, “Can I speak to a member of the service staff about my reservation?”
18. Serving crew
This term is a casual way to refer to the team of servers who work together to provide service in a restaurant or other establishment.
- For example, a server might say, “I’m part of the serving crew at that new restaurant.”
- In a staff meeting, a manager might say, “Great job, serving crew, on handling the busy weekend rush.”
- A customer might compliment the serving crew by saying, “The waitstaff here is attentive and friendly.”
19. Waitstaffer
This term is a slang variation of the word “waitstaff” or “waiter/waitress” and is commonly used to refer to a server in a restaurant or other dining establishment.
- For instance, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitstaffer, can I get a refill on my drink?”
- In a conversation with friends, someone might mention, “My cousin just got a job as a waitstaffer at a new restaurant.”
- A manager might address their waitstaff by saying, “Great job tonight, waitstaffers. Keep up the good work!”
20. Service team
This term is a more professional way to refer to the group of servers who work together as a team to provide service in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
- For example, a manager might say, “The service team has been doing an excellent job lately.”
- In a training session, someone might explain, “As part of the service team, your role is to ensure a positive dining experience for our guests.”
- A customer might ask, “Is there someone from the service team who can assist me with my order?”
21. Waiterette
Waiterette is a slang term used to refer to a female waiter. It is a gender-specific term that is sometimes used to differentiate between male and female servers in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
- For example, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waiterette, could I get some more water?”
- In a job advertisement, a restaurant might specify, “We are looking for experienced waiters and waiterettes.”
- A server might introduce themselves by saying, “Hi, I’m Sarah, your waiterette for tonight.”
22. Waiteress
Waiteress is a term used to refer to a female waiter. It is a gender-specific term that is sometimes used to differentiate between male and female servers in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
- For instance, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waiteress, could I have the dessert menu?”
- In a job application, a restaurant might ask, “Are you applying for the position of waiter or waiteress?”
- A server might introduce themselves by saying, “Good evening, I’m Emily, your waiteress for tonight.”
23. Service personnel
Service personnel is a term used to refer to the staff members who provide service in a restaurant or hospitality setting. It is a general term that encompasses various roles such as waiters, waitresses, hosts, and bartenders.
- For example, a manager might say, “We need more service personnel to handle the busy weekend shifts.”
- In a team meeting, a supervisor might discuss, “We should cross-train our service personnel to handle different tasks.”
- A customer might ask, “Can one of the service personnel bring me the check, please?”
24. Waiterling
Waiterling is a slang term used to refer to a young or inexperienced waiter. It is often used in a playful or joking manner to describe someone who is new to the job or still learning the ropes.
- For instance, a coworker might say, “Watch out for the waiterling, he’s still figuring out how to balance trays.”
- In a training session, a manager might say, “We have a group of waiterlings joining us this summer, so let’s make sure to provide guidance and support.”
- A server might introduce themselves by saying, “Hi, I’m Alex, your friendly neighborhood waiterling.”
25. Waitronling
Waitronling is a gender-neutral term used to refer to a young or inexperienced waiter. It is a combination of the words “waitron” (a gender-neutral term for a waiter or waitress) and “ling” (a suffix used to indicate a young or inexperienced person).
- For example, a manager might say, “We have a few waitronlings starting next week, so let’s make sure to provide them with proper training.”
- In a conversation about inclusivity, someone might suggest using terms like waitronling to avoid gender bias.
- A server might introduce themselves by saying, “Hello, I’m Taylor, your friendly neighborhood waitronling.”
26. Waiter
A waiter is a person who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. The term “server” is a more gender-neutral and inclusive term that is often used to refer to individuals in this role.
- For example, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waiter, can I have some more water?”
- A person discussing job titles might say, “Being a server requires good communication skills and the ability to multitask.”
- In a restaurant setting, a manager might say, “We need another server to cover the busy lunch shift.”
27. Waitress
A waitress is a female server who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant. Similar to “waiter,” the term “server” is a more gender-neutral and inclusive term that is often used to refer to individuals in this role.
- For instance, a customer might say, “Excuse me, waitress, can I get the check?”
- In a conversation about restaurant jobs, someone might say, “I started as a waitress and worked my way up to manager.”
- A person discussing gender equality in the workplace might argue, “Using the term ‘server’ instead of ‘waitress’ helps promote inclusivity and equal treatment.”
28. Busser
A busser is a person who clears and cleans tables in a restaurant. They are responsible for removing dirty dishes, resetting tables, and assisting the waitstaff in ensuring a clean and organized dining area.
- For example, a customer might ask, “Can you please send a busser to clear our table?”
- In a discussion about restaurant roles, someone might say, “Bussers play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth dining experience.”
- A restaurant manager might instruct the staff, “Make sure to communicate with the bussers when a table needs to be cleared.”
29. Dining room attendant
A dining room attendant is a person who assists in the overall cleanliness and organization of the dining area in a restaurant. They may help with seating guests, refilling water glasses, and attending to any other needs of the customers.
- For instance, a customer might ask, “Can I speak to the dining room attendant? I need a high chair for my child.”
- In a conversation about restaurant service, someone might say, “The dining room attendants are always friendly and attentive.”
- A waiter might say, “I appreciate having a dedicated dining room attendant who helps ensure a smooth service.”
30. Food service worker
A food service worker is a broad term that encompasses various roles in the food industry, including servers, bussers, and dining room attendants. It refers to individuals who are involved in serving food and drinks to customers in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food establishments.
- For example, a job listing might say, “We are hiring food service workers to join our team.”
- In a discussion about career options, someone might say, “Working as a food service worker can be a great entry point into the hospitality industry.”
- A person discussing the importance of teamwork in a restaurant might say, “Food service workers rely on each other to provide excellent service to customers.”
31. Cocktail server
A cocktail server is a person who serves alcoholic beverages, often specializing in creating and serving cocktails. They are sometimes referred to as mixologists, as they have a deep knowledge of different spirits and ingredients and can create unique and delicious cocktails.
- For example, a cocktail server might say, “I’m the mixologist behind the bar, ready to craft your favorite drink.”
- In a conversation about fancy cocktails, someone might mention, “Cocktail servers are the experts in mixology and can create the most amazing drinks.”
- A customer might ask a cocktail server, “What’s your signature cocktail? I’d love to try something new!”
32. Barista
A barista is a person who prepares and serves coffee, typically in a coffee shop or cafe. They are knowledgeable about different brewing methods, coffee beans, and can create various coffee-based drinks. Baristas are often considered coffee experts due to their expertise and passion for the craft.
- For instance, a barista might say, “I’m a coffee expert, and I can make you the perfect cup of coffee.”
- In a discussion about specialty coffee, someone might mention, “Baristas are the artists behind the espresso machine, creating beautiful latte art.”
- A customer might ask a barista, “What’s the best way to brew coffee at home? I trust your expertise!”
33. Host
A host is a person who welcomes and assists customers or guests in a restaurant or other establishment. They are responsible for seating guests, taking reservations, and ensuring a positive experience for everyone. In some cases, they may also be referred to as greeters, as they are the first point of contact for customers.
- For example, a host might greet guests with a warm smile and say, “Welcome to our restaurant! Please follow me to your table.”
- In a conversation about customer service, someone might mention, “The host is the first impression customers have of the establishment.”
- A customer might ask a host, “Do you have any recommendations for the best dishes on the menu?”
34. Sommelier
A sommelier is a wine expert who is knowledgeable about different types of wine, wine regions, and food pairings. They typically work in fine dining establishments or wine bars and assist customers in selecting the perfect wine to complement their meal. Sommeliers are highly trained and have a deep passion for wine.
- For instance, a sommelier might say, “I’m a wine expert, and I can help you find the perfect wine for any occasion.”
- In a discussion about wine tasting, someone might mention, “Sommeliers have a refined palate and can detect subtle flavors in a glass of wine.”
- A customer might ask a sommelier, “What would be the best wine to pair with this dish?”
35. Caterer
A caterer is a person or company that provides food and beverages for events, parties, or gatherings. They are responsible for planning the menu, preparing the food, and ensuring that it is delivered and served at the event. Caterers are often referred to as food providers, as they play a crucial role in supplying meals for large groups.
- For example, a caterer might say, “I’m a food provider, and I can create a customized menu for your event.”
- In a discussion about event planning, someone might mention, “Caterers are essential for ensuring that guests are well-fed and satisfied.”
- A customer might ask a caterer, “Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? I have a few guests with specific food allergies.”