The spelling of the word "hirelings" can seem confusing because it is not pronounced the way it looks. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈhaɪərlɪŋz/. The "h" is pronounced, and the "i" in the second syllable is long, as in "hi". The "e" in the third syllable is also pronounced as a short "i", as in "sit". The "-lings" ending is pronounced like "lings", without the "g" sound. Thus, "hirelings" is pronounced as "hyre-lings".
Hirelings are individuals who are employed or hired by someone else to perform a particular task, role, or service in exchange for payment, typically on a temporary or contractual basis. The term "hirelings" often implies that these individuals are motivated primarily by monetary compensation rather than personal or moral commitment to the work they are hired to do.
In many contexts, hirelings are perceived as individuals who lack a deep sense of loyalty or dedication to their employers or the tasks they perform. They may be viewed as being highly susceptible to switching affiliations or loyalties based on financial gain or better employment opportunities. This perception stems from the notion that, as paid employees, they may not have the same level of attachment, devotion, or personal investment as those who are driven by intrinsic motivations.
The term "hirelings" can be used to describe various types of employees or workers, including laborers, freelancers, contractors, or temporary staff. The range of tasks or roles performed by hirelings can be broad, encompassing areas such as manual labor, professional services, creative endeavors, or administrative support.
While the term often carries a negative connotation, it is important to note that not all individuals who are hired for a specific job or task can be considered hirelings. Many workers have a strong work ethic and take pride in delivering high-quality services, regardless of their employment or contractual arrangement.
The word "hirelings" is derived from the Old English word "hyrling", derived from "hȳrian" which means "to hire" in Old English. The suffix "-ling" is added to indicate a person connected to an action or profession, in this case, somebody who is hired.