Pronunciation: [dˈe͡ɪwɜːkə] (IPA) 
The term "dayworker" is commonly used to refer to someone who is temporarily hired for a day's work. The word is spelled as /deɪwɜːkə(r)/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the "a" in "day" is pronounced as "ey" and the "e" in "worker" is pronounced as "uh". The stress falls on the first syllable "day". This word is often used in industries such as construction, landscaping, and household services.
A dayworker is an individual who is hired on a daily basis or for short-term engagements to perform various manual labor or odd jobs. The term typically refers to workers who are not employed in a full-time or permanent capacity, but rather work intermittently or on a temporary basis. Dayworkers are often sought after by individuals or businesses who require extra help with tasks such as gardening, house cleaning, moving furniture, construction, or any other physically demanding work.
Dayworkers usually do not have a contracted employment relationship, and their work is often organized through informal arrangements, referrals, or labor agencies. They may be paid in cash or receive compensation based on the hours worked. The tasks assigned to dayworkers can vary greatly depending on the needs of the employer, ranging from basic household chores to specialized tasks requiring specific skills or training.
The term "dayworker" can also encompass individuals who seek work opportunities on a day-to-day basis, commonly encountered in industries like agriculture, hospitality, or day labor centers. In such cases, dayworkers often gather at designated locations, such as street corners or hiring halls, where employers can reach out to them for available work. The flexible nature of daywork allows both employers and workers to have more ad hoc and temporary arrangements to meet immediate labor demands.
The word "dayworker" is a compound word composed of two parts: "day" and "worker".
1. "Day" originates from the Old English word "dæg", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*dagaz". This term refers to the period of light between sunrise and sunset, a 24-hour cycle, or simply a division of time. The Old English "dæg" developed into the Middle English "day" and has remained unchanged in Modern English.
2. "Worker" comes from Middle English "werkere", which is derived from the Old English word "wyrcere", meaning "one who works". The Old English "wyrcere" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wurkôną".
