Drudge: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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

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• 29006 trespassed
• 29007 unappreciated
• 29008 silliness
• 29009 drudge
• 29010 economizing
• 29011 botanic
• 29012 quirk
• ...