Cracking the Code: Uncovering the Secrets of FOH and BOH Slang in the Service Industry

The service industry, encompassing restaurants, bars, and hotels, has its own unique language, often leaving outsiders bewildered. Two terms frequently used in this context are FOH (Front of House) and BOH (Back of House). While they may seem like simple abbreviations, they represent distinct aspects of the service industry, each with its own set of slang, terminology, and cultural nuances. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of FOH and BOH, exploring their meanings, differences, and the slang associated with each.

Understanding FOH and BOH: The Basics

Before diving into the slang, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concepts of FOH and BOH.

Front of House (FOH)

The Front of House refers to the areas of a restaurant, bar, or hotel that are visible to customers. This includes:

• Dining areas
• Bars
• Reception desks
• Lobby areas

The FOH staff are the face of the establishment, responsible for interacting with customers, taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring a positive experience.

Back of House (BOH)

The Back of House, on the other hand, encompasses the areas that are not visible to customers. This includes:

• Kitchens
• Prep areas
• Storage rooms
• Laundry facilities

The BOH staff are responsible for preparing and cooking food, managing inventory, and maintaining the overall cleanliness and organization of the establishment.

FOH Slang: Decoding the Language of the Front of House

FOH staff use a unique set of slang terms to communicate efficiently and effectively. Here are some common FOH slang terms:

• 86: To remove an item from the menu or to stop serving a particular dish.
• Table turn: The process of serving a table of customers and then clearing the table to make way for new customers.
• Section: A designated area of the dining room or bar assigned to a specific server or bartender.
• Slammed: Extremely busy, often to the point of being overwhelmed.
• In the weeds: When a server or bartender is struggling to keep up with their workload.

Server Slang

Servers use a variety of slang terms to communicate with each other and with the kitchen staff. Some common server slang terms include:

• Fire: To expedite the preparation of a dish or to request that the kitchen hurry up.
• Pick up: To retrieve an order from the kitchen or bar.
• Drop: To deliver an order to a table.

Bartender Slang

Bartenders also have their own set of slang terms, including:

• Call: A request for a specific drink or shot.
• Shot clock: A timer used to keep track of how long it takes to serve a shot.
• Last call: The final opportunity for customers to order drinks before the bar closes.

BOH Slang: Uncovering the Language of the Back of House

BOH staff use a distinct set of slang terms to communicate with each other and with the FOH staff. Here are some common BOH slang terms:

• Mise en place: The preparation and organization of ingredients and tools before service.
• Station: A designated area of the kitchen where a specific task is performed, such as the grill or sauté station.
• Expo: The expeditor, responsible for coordinating the preparation and plating of dishes.
• Plate up: To assemble and garnish a dish before it’s sent out to the customer.
• Push: To expedite the preparation of a dish or to request that the kitchen hurry up.

Chef Slang

Chefs use a variety of slang terms to communicate with each other and with the FOH staff. Some common chef slang terms include:

• Taste: To sample a dish to ensure it’s seasoned correctly.
• Re-fire: To re-heat a dish that’s been sitting out for too long.
• Plate cost: The cost of the ingredients used to prepare a dish.

Kitchen Slang

Kitchen staff use a range of slang terms to communicate with each other and with the FOH staff. Some common kitchen slang terms include:

• Line: The kitchen staff, including the chefs, cooks, and expeditors.
• Service: The period of time when the kitchen is serving customers.
• Breakdown: The process of cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen after service.

The Importance of FOH and BOH Slang

FOH and BOH slang serve several purposes:

• Efficient communication: Slang terms allow staff to communicate quickly and effectively, reducing misunderstandings and errors.
• Camaraderie: Using slang terms creates a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among staff members.
• Exclusivity: Slang terms can create a sense of exclusivity, making staff feel like they’re part of a special group.

Conclusion

FOH and BOH slang are essential components of the service industry, allowing staff to communicate efficiently and effectively. By understanding these slang terms, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into providing excellent customer service. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, mastering FOH and BOH slang will help you navigate the fast-paced world of the service industry with confidence.

By understanding the slang terms used in the service industry, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the fast-paced world of FOH and BOH. Whether you’re a customer, a new staff member, or a seasoned pro, mastering these terms will help you communicate more effectively and appreciate the hard work that goes into providing excellent customer service.

What is FOH and BOH in the service industry?

FOH and BOH are abbreviations commonly used in the service industry, particularly in restaurants, bars, and hotels. FOH stands for “Front of House,” which refers to the areas of the establishment that are visible to customers, such as the dining area, bar, and lobby. This is where customers interact with staff, including servers, bartenders, and hosts/hostesses. On the other hand, BOH stands for “Back of House,” which refers to the areas that are not visible to customers, including the kitchen, storage rooms, and employee break rooms.

Understanding the distinction between FOH and BOH is essential for service industry professionals, as it helps them navigate their roles and responsibilities. For example, servers and bartenders work in the FOH, interacting with customers and providing excellent service, while chefs and kitchen staff work in the BOH, preparing food and managing inventory. Effective communication and coordination between FOH and BOH staff are crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful service.

What is the purpose of using slang in the service industry?

The use of slang in the service industry serves several purposes. Firstly, it provides a shorthand way of communicating complex information quickly and efficiently. For example, a server might call out “86” to indicate that a dish is no longer available, or a bartender might say “dry” to request a martini with very little vermouth. This helps staff to communicate rapidly and accurately, even in high-pressure situations.

Secondly, using slang helps to create a sense of camaraderie and shared culture among service industry professionals. It’s a way of signaling that you’re part of the “in-group” and that you understand the nuances of the job. This can help to build relationships and trust among colleagues, which is essential for providing excellent customer service. Finally, using slang can also help to add a touch of personality and humor to the work environment, which can make the job more enjoyable and engaging.

What are some common FOH slang terms?

Some common FOH slang terms include “table tent,” which refers to a small card or sign placed on a table to indicate that it’s reserved or has a special request. Another example is “turn,” which refers to the process of turning over a table, or getting a new group of customers seated and served. Servers might also use terms like “pick up” to request that a colleague take over a table, or “drop” to indicate that a check has been delivered to a table.

Other FOH slang terms might include “section,” which refers to a group of tables assigned to a particular server, or “camp,” which refers to a server’s station or designated area. Bartenders might use terms like “call” to request a specific type of drink, or “last call” to indicate that it’s time to stop serving drinks. These terms help FOH staff to communicate quickly and efficiently, and to provide excellent service to customers.

What are some common BOH slang terms?

Some common BOH slang terms include “miso,” which refers to a type of soup or sauce, or “amuse,” which refers to a small, complimentary dish served to customers. Chefs might also use terms like “fire” to request that a dish be cooked or heated, or “pick up” to indicate that a dish is ready to be served. Kitchen staff might use terms like “expo” to refer to the expeditor, or the person responsible for coordinating the flow of dishes out of the kitchen.

Other BOH slang terms might include “ticket,” which refers to a food order, or “call back,” which refers to a request to re-fire or re-make a dish. These terms help BOH staff to communicate quickly and efficiently, and to ensure that dishes are prepared and served correctly. By using these terms, kitchen staff can work together seamlessly to produce high-quality food and provide excellent service to customers.

How can I learn more about service industry slang?

One way to learn more about service industry slang is to work in the industry itself. By immersing yourself in the culture and language of the service industry, you’ll pick up slang terms and phrases quickly. You can also ask colleagues and supervisors to explain unfamiliar terms, or seek out online resources and training programs that teach service industry slang.

Another way to learn about service industry slang is to read industry publications and blogs, or to follow service industry professionals on social media. Many restaurants and bars also offer training programs or workshops that teach staff about service industry slang and culture. By taking the time to learn about service industry slang, you’ll be better equipped to communicate effectively with colleagues and provide excellent service to customers.

Why is it important to understand service industry slang?

Understanding service industry slang is essential for providing excellent customer service and for communicating effectively with colleagues. By using the correct terminology, you’ll be able to navigate the service industry with confidence and precision, and to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for customers.

Additionally, understanding service industry slang can help you to build relationships and trust with colleagues, which is essential for working effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. By speaking the same language, you’ll be able to work together more efficiently and to provide a higher level of service to customers. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, better tips, and greater career advancement opportunities.

Can service industry slang vary by region or establishment?

Yes, service industry slang can vary by region or establishment. Different regions or cities may have their own unique slang terms and phrases, which can be influenced by local culture and traditions. For example, a restaurant in New Orleans might use terms like “lagniappe” to refer to a little something extra, while a restaurant in New York City might use terms like “fuhgeddaboutit” to indicate that something is not available.

Additionally, different establishments may have their own unique slang terms and phrases, which can be influenced by the establishment’s culture and history. For example, a high-end restaurant might use more formal language and terminology, while a casual diner might use more informal language and slang. By being aware of these regional and establishment-specific variations, you can adapt your language and communication style to fit in with the local culture and provide excellent service to customers.