Social expression used by
roughnecks and
oil drillers in departing (much like "good luck", "see you tomorrow" etc.). Refers to the fact that when
drilling for
oil, you must pump "mud" into the hole to counter the natural pressure from oil-bearing formations. Failure to maintain the column of "mud" over the drill bit may result in a violent release of gas or
petroleum blown upward (a "
blowout").