Unskilled workers on a major building project. Derived from large numbers of Irish workers who came to England in the mid-1700's to dig out the navigational canals.
by Sean C. L April 26, 2008
Get the Navviesmug. by Gregory Jones July 3, 2005
Get the Navviemug. Unlike Itsy Bitsy and Teeny Weeny, Navvy Gravvy doesn't refer to just a small size but to a small amount. A navvy gravy is a very small amount, a little tiny bit, a very fine shaving. In common use within the Royal Dockyards where very small adjustments have to be made, by shipwrights and shipfitters, to customise components in order to get them to fit correctly. Thought to date from around the mid-nineteenth century when many tasks in shipbuilding were still carried out by 'eye', although the origins or the words themselves are not entirely clear, it is still in use today where non-standard sized items have to be adjusted to fit.
As an illustration; if a hole is drilled in a piece of metal to take a bolt, the hole is the correct size but the bolt doesn't fit. The drill is then run through the hole again and the bolt fits. Careful examination may reveal a few grains of metal dust or the tiniest finest curl of swarf removed by the drill, that tiny amount is a navvy gravvy.
As an illustration; if a hole is drilled in a piece of metal to take a bolt, the hole is the correct size but the bolt doesn't fit. The drill is then run through the hole again and the bolt fits. Careful examination may reveal a few grains of metal dust or the tiniest finest curl of swarf removed by the drill, that tiny amount is a navvy gravvy.
by AKACroatalin April 19, 2015
Get the Navvy Gravvymug. by Sarah Downing April 5, 2006
Get the Navvy savvymug. People named Navvye are really the badass kings, they will eat you raw if you piss them off, but if they are hurt they won't let you survive but on the inside, they are the softest and sweetest people, having them in your life is like finding your true, perfect friend or soulmate. They will care for you and treat you like you both were meant to be. They are shy and maybe insecure bout their looks but they are literally the hottest and cutest people you'll ever find! and they are borderline good at flirting ;)
by sugardaddyy November 21, 2021
Get the Navvyemug. 
by kxismyzaddy July 22, 2022
Get the Navvymug.