Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) a bricklayer’s mate, a hod-carrier.

1923		Sun. Times (Sydney) 25 Nov. 6/8: The Poor Hoddy The hoddy is expected to mix the mortar, erect the scaffolding, and carry the bricks and mortar to where his bosses are working. The trade definition of a hoddy is ‘a man with a weak mind and a strong back’.
1933		(con. late 19C) Construction & Real Estate Jrnl Sydney) 2 May 5/2: In those days all bricks, mortar, etc., were carried up ladders by ‘hoddies,’ who wore tall hats to protect them from any falling bricks, etc., and had ‘bowyangs’ round their knees.
1935		Sun (Sydney) 23 Sept. 7/8: FELL 25FT HELD WINDOW ‘Hoddie’ Injured LOST HIS HOLD John Mulhearn, 42, hod-carrier [...] made a desperate, but vain bid to save himself from a 25ft. fall.
1946		Sun (Sydney) 24 Mar. 4/4: A hoddie used to put 14 bricks (weighing about nine stone) on his shoulder and climb up ladders with them.
1953		Baker Aus. Speaks.
1978		H.C. Baker I Was Listening 60: Hoddies either died young or lived forever.
2024		J. Meades Empty Wigs (t/s) 292: His dad was a hoddie. Worked his way up. Now builds entire towns.