What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prole
Example
The proles were the backbone of the factory's workforce. [proles: noun]
Example
He was born into a family of proles and struggled to make ends meet. [prole: adjective]
peon
Example
The peons worked long hours in the fields under the hot sun. [peons: noun]
Example
She was tired of being treated like a peon and decided to quit her job. [peon: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peon is more commonly used than prole in American English, while prole is more commonly used in British English. Both words, however, are not commonly used in everyday language and may be seen as outdated or offensive.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prole and peon?
Neither prole nor peon are formal words and are generally considered to be informal or slang terms. They should be used with caution and only in appropriate contexts.