Charwoman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งน
charwoman
[หtสษหrwสmษn ]
Definition
employment, cleaning
A charwoman is a woman employed to clean and perform domestic work, typically in an office or large house. The term is often associated with part-time or informal employment, rather than a full-time position. Charwomen may be responsible for tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and washing floors.
Synonyms
cleaner, domestic worker, housekeeper, maid.
Examples of usage
- The charwoman arrived early to tidy up the office before everyone came in.
- In her role as a charwoman, she developed a keen eye for detail.
- The charwoman worked diligently to ensure every room was spotless.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In Victorian England, charwomen often worked for wealthy families and were essential in maintaining large homes.
- The role of a charwoman was typically seen as low-status, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time.
Literature
- The character of the charwoman appears in several works, symbolizing the working-class struggles and resilience.
- Famous playwrights like George Bernard Shaw used the character type to comment on social issues in their plays.
Pop Culture
- In various films and books, charwomen are often portrayed as insightful characters who witness and comment on the lives of the upper class.
- The image of the charwoman has evolved in modern media, sometimes depicted as a strong and independent female figure in control of her life.
Socioeconomic Insights
- The profession highlights historic gender roles, with many women entering domestic service due to limited job opportunities elsewhere.
- Today's equivalent roles, such as cleaning staff or housekeepers, continue to face challenges related to pay and working conditions.
Origin of 'charwoman'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the word 'char,' meaning to clean or do household work, which dates back to the late 16th century.
- The addition of 'woman' in 'charwoman' signifies that the job has traditionally been associated with female workers.
The term 'charwoman' has its origins in the late 19th century, combining 'char', which is a British dialect word meaning to clean, and 'woman', reflecting the gender typically associated with this kind of work. 'Char' itself is derived from the Old English 'cearr', which links to the act of making clean or clearing. Originally, charwomen were hired for specific tasks in large households or businesses, emphasizing the informal nature of their employment. Over time, the role has become associated primarily with domestic cleaning, with charwomen often being part-time workers in various settings. The character of charwomen has been depicted in literature and theater, often highlighting the socio-economic conditions of women in service roles during the Victorian era and beyond.