Goldbrick: meaning, definitions and examples

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goldbrick

 

[ หˆษกoสŠldbrษชk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

military slang

The term 'goldbrick' is used to describe a person who shirks their duties or responsibilities, often in a work or military setting. This term typically implies laziness or a tendency to avoid effort, leading to resentment from others who are pulling their weight. It can also refer to a situation where someone is perceived as contributing less than what is expected. The expression is derived from the idea that someone is presenting themselves as valuable (like gold) while actually being worthless (like a brick).

Synonyms

freeloader, loafer, shirker, slacker

Examples of usage

  • He's been labeled a goldbrick by his commanding officer.
  • The team was frustrated with the goldbrick attitude of its newest member.
  • Goldbricks are not tolerated in this unit.
Context #2 | Verb

to shirk duty

To 'goldbrick' means to avoid responsibility or work, often by pretending to be busy or by creating excuses. This behavior is often looked down upon, especially in professional or military environments where teamwork and effort are essential. The term embodies the idea of deceiving others about one's actual level of contribution or commitment.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, shirk, slack off

Examples of usage

  • He tends to goldbrick when there are tough tasks at hand.
  • Don't goldbrick during this critical phase of the project.
  • She was caught goldbricking during inspection.

Translations

Translations of the word "goldbrick" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fingidor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเคฎเคšเฅ‹เคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Faulenzer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pemalas

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะฝะธะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ leniuch

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ€ ใ‘่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท paresseux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ holgazรกn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tembel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฒŒ์œผ๋ฆ„๋ฑ…์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุณูˆู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lenoch

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ lenoch

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‡’ๆฑ‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ lenobeลพ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ latmaรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะตะนั–ั€ั–ะผัั–ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒแƒ แƒ›แƒแƒชแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™nbษ™l

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ holgazรกn

Etymology

The term 'goldbrick' has its origins in the early 20th century, stemming primarily from military slang. It emerged during World War I and gained popularity in the military context, where it was used to describe soldiers who did not fulfill their duties. The term suggests that an individual appears valuable (like gold) but is, in fact, as worthless as a brick. It reflects the frustration of those who are diligent in their responsibilities when faced with peers who undermine group efforts. Through the decades, its usage has spread beyond military contexts to describe slacking behavior in workplaces and other group settings. The dual nature of the word illustrates both a literal meaning and a metaphorical implication, encapsulating the contrast between appearance and reality.