Thanks, dirtbiker! I thought it was a more generic term, like any of various blue-collar workers, but it would appear in BBM context to mean in the oil industry. Though people sure have used the word to mean a rough/fighting guy type of person, yes?
Here's what wikipedia says:
Roughneck (or ruffneck) is a slang term for an unskilled or slightly skilled labourer in a number of industries. In particular, is the official name of a semi-skilled role on a North American oil rig.
kathy