Blue-collar

Meaning

The idiom "blue-collar" refers to a person who works in physical labor or manual occupation, typically characterized by wearing blue-colored clothing. This term is often used to differentiate between workers who perform physical tasks and those who work in white-collar jobs, such as office or administrative positions. In contemporary language, the idiom has taken on a broader meaning to refer to anyone who works hard and earns a living through manual labor.

Usage

• "He's always been proud of his blue-collar roots and never forgets where he came from." - This sentence uses the idiom in a positive way to describe someone who takes pride in their working-class background.
• "The new CEO comes from a blue-collar background and is determined to improve working conditions for all employees." - This sentence uses the idiom to imply that the CEO has a strong connection with workers on the factory floor and understands their needs.
• "I may not have the fancy education or connections, but I'm just as hardworking and dedicated as anyone in this room." - This sentence uses the idiom to emphasize the speaker's sense of solidarity with others who work hard.
• "He may have been born into wealth, but he still treats his employees like they are his own blue-collar family." - This sentence uses the idiom to describe someone who values the hard work and dedication of their workers.
• "I'm not ashamed of my blue-collar background - it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance." - This sentence uses the idiom in a positive way to describe the speaker's upbringing and the lessons they learned from working-class life.

Roots and History

The term "blue-collar" first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century, when workers who wore blue uniforms or overalls were categorized as belonging to a separate group from those who wore white collars. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include not only workers in traditional blue-collar jobs, but also anyone who performs manual labor or earns a living through hard work.

Synonyms in English

• Working class
• Manual worker
• Laborer
• Blue-collar employee
• Physical worker

Synonyms in other languages

• Español: trabajador de clase trabajadora (working-class worker)
• Français: ouvrier de classe ouvrière (blue-collar worker)
• Italian: operaio di classe operaia (manual worker)
• German: Handwerker (craftsman/tradesperson)
• Japanese: 勤務員 (blue-collar worker)

Similar Idioms

• bring someone to book

• burn the midnight oil

• buffer zone