On the production floor or in the cellar, this describes a shift that has spiraled out of control. It happens when multiple urgent issues occur at once, such as a pump failing while a tank is overflowing and a delivery truck is waiting at the dock. Operators use this phrase to signal that they are at maximum capacity and cannot take on any additional tasks or handle minor requests until the immediate chaos is resolved.
Heard on the job
I can't help you pull those samples right now, I'm completely blowed up over here with this jammed packaging line.
Insider tip
When a cellarman says they are blowed up, it is a clear signal to stay out of their way and hold all non-urgent questions until the shift stabilizes.
Also heard as
- blown up
- in the weeds
Do not mix it up with
- Blowoff: Blowoff refers to the physical foam and yeast escaping a fermenter, while being blowed up is a state of operational chaos for the worker.