What does “White-Collar” mean?
The phrase "White-Collar" refers to a high-salary job that doesn't require manual labor, typically occupied by professionals like accountants, lawyers, and other non-physical labor roles.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
He has a white-collar job as a software engineer.
Example
She works in a white-collar profession as a financial analyst.
Example
Many white-collar workers spend their days in office buildings.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing a job or profession
He has a white-collar job as a software engineer.
She works in a white-collar profession as a financial analyst.
- 2Referring to office work or work environment
Many white-collar workers spend their days in office buildings.
The company hired more white-collar employees to handle administrative tasks.
- 3Contrasting with manual labor or blue-collar work
He chose a white-collar career instead of working in manual labor.
The factory employs both white-collar and blue-collar workers.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The term "white-collar" originated in the early 20th century and was coined by Upton Sinclair in his book 'The Brass Check' in 1919. It refers to the white shirts typically worn by office workers at the time.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The phrase "white-collar" is typically used as an adjective to describe a job or profession. It is not commonly used on its own without supporting words.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "white-collar" is not offensive. It is a term used to describe high-salary jobs that do not involve manual labor.
Audience for the phrase
The phrase "white-collar" is commonly used in business and professional settings. It is understood by a wide range of audiences, particularly those familiar with job classifications and work environments.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The term "white-collar" is widely used in the United States and is associated with American business culture. However, it is also used in other English-speaking regions to describe similar job categories.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- professional
- office worker
- non-manual worker
- salaried worker
- desk job worker
Antonyms
- blue-collar
- manual labor
- physical labor
- hands-on work
- manual work
