SHOULDER BURDEN Meaning and
Definition
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Shoulder burden refers to the weight or responsibility that an individual takes upon themselves. This term is often used to describe the mental, emotional, or physical load that someone carries, either willingly or involuntarily. It can refer to various types of burdens, such as personal problems, obligations, duties, or challenges that a person feels responsible for addressing or resolving.
In a metaphorical sense, the term "shoulder burden" conveys the idea of shouldering a heavy load, similar to the weight carried on one's shoulders. It implies that the individual is willingly or reluctantly accepting the responsibility for a particular matter, often due to personal reasons or a sense of duty.
The concept of shoulder burden intersects with the notion of carrying the weight of the world on one's shoulders, symbolizing an overwhelming or all-encompassing burden. It can also relate to the emotional strain or stress experienced by individuals who take on more than they can handle or endure.
One example of shoulder burden could be a person taking care of an elderly parent while also juggling work and personal life commitments. In this case, the individual willingly shoulders the responsibility of caring for the aging parent, considering it their duty or moral obligation. Consequently, they experience the burden of managing their time, energy, and emotions effectively.
Overall, shoulder burden represents the weight of responsibility or obligation that an individual feels they must bear, which can have significant implications on their well-being and daily functioning.
Etymology of SHOULDER BURDEN
The term "shoulder burden" is a collocation of the words "shoulder" and "burden".
The word "shoulder" originates from Old English "scol(d)er" and Middle English "sholdre". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "skuldron". The Proto-Germanic root "skuldrōną" is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European *skel- meaning "to bend" or "to crook". The metaphorical usage of "shoulder" to denote responsibility or carrying a burden dates back to Middle English.
The word "burden" comes from Old English "byrthen" and Middle English "burthen". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word *burthēną, which ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *bher- meaning "to bear, carry".
