WORKING STIFFS Meaning and
Definition
-
Working stiffs is a colloquial term that refers to individuals, often of the middle or working class, who engage in labor-intensive, mundane, or low-paying jobs. This term is typically used to describe those who work hard, often in physically demanding or repetitive occupations, to earn a living and support themselves or their families. The term "stiff" carries a sense of rigidity or inflexibility, often implying that these individuals have limited choice in their employment options or face challenging circumstances.
Working stiffs are often found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, retail, or service-oriented sectors. They may include blue-collar workers, such as construction laborers, factory workers, delivery personnel, or janitors, as well as individuals in white-collar professions with lower wages or limited job security, such as administrative assistants, clerks, or customer service representatives. The term can also extend to encompass professionals who work long hours with little autonomy or job satisfaction, such as lawyers, doctors, or nurses.
"Working stiffs" is a term that conveys a sense of empathy or understanding towards the struggles and challenges faced by those in less glamorous or financially rewarding occupations. It recognizes the dedication and perseverance exhibited by individuals in these roles, highlighting the importance of their labor in sustaining economies and societies.
Common Misspellings for WORKING STIFFS
- workin stiff
- working stiff
- qorking stiffs
- aorking stiffs
- sorking stiffs
- eorking stiffs
- 3orking stiffs
- 2orking stiffs
- wirking stiffs
- wkrking stiffs
- wlrking stiffs
- wprking stiffs
- w0rking stiffs
- w9rking stiffs
- woeking stiffs
- wodking stiffs
- wofking stiffs
- wotking stiffs
- wo5king stiffs
- wo4king stiffs
Etymology of WORKING STIFFS
The term "working stiffs" is an informal and colloquial expression used to refer to regular, blue-collar, or low-to-middle-class workers. Its etymology is a combination of two separate terms.
1. "Working": The term "working" derives from the Old English word "weorcende", which means "to perform or be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic language and has been a part of the English language for centuries as a descriptor for those involved in labor or employment.
2. "Stiffs": The term "stiff" has several meanings, but in the context of "working stiffs", it is used to signify a person who is lifeless, rigid, or lacking vitality. This usage is derived from the Middle English term "stif", meaning "rigid or firm".
