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Drudge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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drudge

[drสŒdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

hard-working person

A drudge is a person who works hard and tirelessly, often in menial or monotonous tasks. They are typically seen as the backbone of an operation, carrying out essential but often thankless work.

Synonyms

grunt, hard worker, laborer.

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as the office drudge, always the first one in and the last one out.
  • The drudges in the kitchen worked tirelessly to prepare the meals for the event.
Context #2 | Noun

unpleasant or dull work

Drudge can also refer to work that is tedious, monotonous, or unpleasant. It often involves repetitive tasks that offer little satisfaction or intellectual stimulation.

Synonyms

monotonous tasks, tedious work, unpleasant labor.

Examples of usage

  • She found herself stuck in a drudge of a job, doing the same thing day in and day out.
  • The endless paperwork felt like a drudge, with no end in sight.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many classic works, characters described as 'drudges' often represent the struggles of everyday life and the lower classes.
  • Dickens frequently portrayed drudges in his novels to highlight social issues and the plight of the poor.
  • Shakespeare's play 'Henry IV' contains references to drudgery, showcasing the harsh realities of medieval life.

Psychology

  • Engaging in drudgery can lead to feelings of frustration and lack of fulfillment, affecting mental well-being.
  • Repetitive tasks often trigger a 'flow state' for some, where individuals lose track of time and find joy despite the work's monotony.
  • Studies suggest that balancing drudgery with creative tasks can enhance overall job satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' depict drudgery, emphasizing determination and grit in difficult circumstances.
  • The term is often used in modern media to describe the struggle of everyday workers, highlighting social class dynamics.
  • In cartoons, characters often drudge through tasks humorously, portraying the exaggeration of hard labor.

History

  • Historically, drudges were often found in agricultural settings, doing labor-intensive jobs such as plowing and harvesting.
  • During the Industrial Revolution, many workers transitioned from farming to drudgery in factories, marking a significant societal shift.
  • An ironic twist is that while drudges did the heavy lifting, they were often the backbone of progress and development in societies.

Origin of 'drudge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'drudge' comes from the Middle English word 'druge', which meant to work hard.
  • It has roots in Old English 'drurgan' that relates to heavy labor or toil.
  • Originally, it referred to someone who did low-status physical work, often unappreciated.

The word 'drudge' originated in the early 16th century, derived from the Middle Low German word 'drรถge' meaning 'dry'. It initially referred to a wooden plow with a flat blade, later evolving to represent hard or menial work. Over time, 'drudge' came to signify both the person performing such work and the nature of the work itself.

See also: drudgery.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,009, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.