Charwomen: meaning, definitions and examples
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charwomen
[ ˈtʃɑːrˌwʊmən ]
cleaning staff
Charwomen, often referred to as cleaners or cleaning women, are individuals employed to clean buildings, offices, or private homes. The term is primarily used in British English and has historical connotations dating back to the mid-19th century. Charwomen typically carry out tasks such as dusting, mopping, and washing floors, and their work is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in various environments. Although the term is less commonly used today, it reflects a specific role in the service industry.
Synonyms
cleaner, housekeeper, janitor.
Examples of usage
- The charwoman was busy tidying up the office.
- Many charwomen start their day early to ensure everything is clean for the clients.
- In the late 1800s, charwomen played a significant role in urban households.
Translations
Translations of the word "charwomen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 empregada
🇮🇳 सफाईकर्मी
🇩🇪 Putzfrau
🇮🇩 pembersih
🇺🇦 прибиральниця
🇵🇱 sprzątaczka
🇯🇵 清掃員
🇫🇷 femme de ménage
🇪🇸 empleada de limpieza
🇹🇷 temizlikçi
🇰🇷 청소부
🇸🇦 عاملة تنظيف
🇨🇿 uklízečka
🇸🇰 uklizečka
🇨🇳 清洁工
🇸🇮 čistilka
🇮🇸 hreinsunarkona
🇰🇿 тазалаушы
🇬🇪 სუფთა ქალი
🇦🇿 təmizlikçi
🇲🇽 empleada de limpieza
Etymology
The term 'charwoman' originates from the combination of the word 'char,' meaning to clean or to do cleaning tasks, and 'woman,' indicating the gender of the worker. The word 'char' dates back to the late 15th century, derived from 'chare' in Middle English, which means to turn or to work. By the 19th century, as urbanization increased in Britain, the demand for domestic services surged, leading to a rise in the number of women undertaking cleaning jobs. 'Charwoman' became a common label for these women, specifically those who provided cleaning services on a part-time or casual basis. The social context of the term often reflects the working-class status of these individuals and the domestic roles women played in society. Over time, while the role of cleaners has evolved, the usage of 'charwoman' has diminished, replaced by more contemporary terms like 'cleaner' or 'housekeeper'.