Common laborer is a phrase that is often misspelled due to its phonetic nature. The correct spelling of this word is [ˈkɑːmən ˈleɪbərər], with the stress on the first syllable of each word. The first word, common, is spelled with an 'o' and not an 'a'. This is because the 'o' in common is pronounced as a long vowel [ɑː], while the 'a' is pronounced as a short vowel [æ]. The second word, laborer, is spelled with an 'e' and not an 'o'. This is because the 'e' is pronounced as a long vowel [eɪ], while the 'o' is pronounced with a short vowel [ɒ].
A common laborer refers to an individual who engages in manual or physical work that is considered non-specialized or unskilled, typically within various industries such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, or general labor-intensive tasks. This term often applies to individuals who perform physical tasks that require limited training or expertise, focusing mainly on manual tasks that do not demand specialized knowledge or high levels of education.
Common laborers are typically involved in basic duties such as carrying, lifting, loading, unloading, assembly, or other physically demanding tasks. They often work under the supervision of skilled workers, foremen, or supervisors, assisting in the completion of various projects or day-to-day operations.
The responsibilities of common laborers may vary depending on the specific job or industry. However, their work commonly involves tasks such as cleaning and preparation of the work area, handling tools or equipment, transporting materials or supplies, operating basic machinery, or performing general maintenance tasks.
Due to the nature of their work, common laborers usually receive hourly wages rather than salaries and may work on a temporary or seasonal basis. The role of a common laborer can be physically demanding, requiring endurance, strength, and manual dexterity. While the tasks may be less specialized, common laborers are essential to the smooth operation of many industries as they contribute to foundational work required for larger projects or processes to occur.
The word "common laborer" originates from the combination of the Old French word "comun" meaning "common" or "shared", and the English word "laborer", derived from the Middle English term "labourer". The etymology of "common" can be traced back to the Latin word "communis", which denotes "belonging to or shared by all". "Laborer" finds its roots in the Latin word "labor", meaning "work" or "toil". Therefore, "common laborer" refers to someone involved in physically demanding work that is widespread or shared by many.