Goldbrick: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งฑ
goldbrick
[ หษกoสldbrษชk ]
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.
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:
๐ต๐น fingidor
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฎเคเฅเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Faulenzer
๐ฎ๐ฉ pemalas
๐บ๐ฆ ะปัะฝะธะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ leniuch
๐ฏ๐ต ๆ ใ่
๐ซ๐ท paresseux
๐ช๐ธ holgazรกn
๐น๐ท tembel
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฒ์ผ๋ฆ๋ฑ ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุณูู
๐จ๐ฟ lenoch
๐ธ๐ฐ lenoch
๐จ๐ณ ๆๆฑ
๐ธ๐ฎ lenobeลพ
๐ฎ๐ธ latmaรฐur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตะนัััะผััะท
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแแชแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tษnbษl
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.