on the buroo

on the buroo

In receipt of social welfare or unemployment benefits. ("Buroo" is colloquial slang for "bureau," a term for the Labour Exchange, the source for welfare payments.) Primarily heard in Scotland. After being on the buroo for several months, I'm looking forward to getting back to work.
See also: on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • on the broo
  • chip
  • chips
  • up on (one's) ear
  • one of the boys
  • one of the lads
  • lad
  • be one of the boys
  • be one of the lads
  • be one of the lads/boys/girls
References in periodicals archive
He said: "That was a load of poo in Peru and if it stays like this they'll soon be on the buroo. It's not a cap these Scotland players should be given, it's a mask."
If it continues it continues but if not I'll be on the buroo again.
There were tens of thousands on the buroo and little resentment of those who made a few bob on the side to help their struggling families.
George Jack's pal is nicknamed Tea Cosy (that's because he's always on the buroo) and Ian Meiklejohn reminds us that former Kilmarnock striker Christophe Cocard was known as Viagra.
So I reckon I'll get some practice for when I'm on the buroo and being a pundit by giving my views on this week's big European match, Juventus versus Manchester United.
All that our kids are interested in is going on the buroo and retiring at16.