What does “Pink slip” mean?
"Pink slip" means a notice of termination or dismissal from a job.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of working for the company, he received a pink slip out of the blue.
Example
She was devastated when she got a pink slip after the company downsized.
Example
The pink slip came as a shock to him, as he had just received a promotion
Is “Pink slip” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Pink slip” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Pink slip” effectively in context?
You can use "Pink slip" to refer to a notice of termination or dismissal from a job. It emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of losing employment. For example, if a friend tells you they were fired, you might say, 'I'm sorry to hear that you got a pink slip. Are you okay?'
- 1Job Loss
After years of working for the company, he received a pink slip out of the blue.
- 2Company Downsizing
She was devastated when she got a pink slip after the company downsized.
- 3Unexpected Termination
The pink slip came as a shock to him, as he had just received a promotion.
Similar phrases to “Pink slip”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Pink slip” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Pink slip" can be traced back to the early 20th century. In the United States, employers would often use pink-colored paper to issue termination notices or dismissal letters to employees. Hence, the term 'pink slip' became synonymous with losing one's job.
Is “Pink slip” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Pink slip" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially in the context of job loss or termination. People often use it to describe sudden and unexpected dismissals from work.
What tone does “Pink slip” have?
"Pink slip" conveys a tone of surprise, disappointment, and sometimes shock. It is often used to express sympathy or empathy towards someone who has lost their job.
Can “Pink slip” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "pink slip" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized idiom related to employment and job loss. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as interviews, discussions about labor issues, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He received a pink slip and was let go from his job.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I hope you don't get a pink slip!' to express concern about someone's job security.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- lose one's job
- be dismissed
- be terminated
- get the sack
- be laid off
- be made redundant
Antonyms
- retain one's job
- keep one's position
- be promoted
- be hired
- be recruited
