Navvy
/ˈnævi/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Occupation
Navvy is historically linked to major construction projects of the 19th century, like railways. 
My great-grandfather was a navvy who helped build the Victorian railways.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Strength
The term 'navvy' connotes physical strength due to the nature of manual labor involved. 
You'd have the build of a navvy after a few months of that tough digging work.
Pro Tip 3/3Somewhat Outdated
Although still understood, 'navvy' is less commonly used in modern times, somewhat replaced by 'laborer'. 
He worked as a navvy, but these days they just call him a construction worker.