Meshterski (Bulgarian: мещерски) or Meshtrenski (мещренски) was the cant, or secret sociolect, of the south Bulgarian builders, bricklayers and masons. The name comes from the word мещра meshtra, "master", from Latin magister. Meshterski served a linguistically isolating purpose, enabling the builders to communicate in secrecy, and a socially isolating purpose, emphasizing the builders' perceived supremacy over their contractors.