Learn to Decode Railroad Talk
Ever feel like railroad workers are speaking another language? That’s because they are. From the tracks to the office, Union Pacific employees use “railroad-ese” - a shorthand of jargon, slang and abbreviations that’s been shaped by decades of industry tradition.
To help decode this unique lingo, we've compiled a list of commonly used terms straight from Union Pacific system reports. Interpreted by employees, these entries offer insight into the language of the rails. Keep in mind: some terms vary by region or role.
Explore terms by category or dive into our full Railroad Terms Glossary to learn the language behind the locomotive.
