Goldbricked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
goldbricked
[หษกoสldหbrษชkt ]
Definition
slang usage
To goldbrick means to act in a lazy or deceitful manner, particularly in a context where one is expected to work or be productive. It often implies a failure to perform duties as expected, perhaps to evade responsibilities or to manipulate the situation for personal gain.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was goldbricking during the project.
- The employees were caught goldbricking instead of meeting deadlines.
- She tends to goldbrick when the boss is away.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The phrase has appeared in various movies and shows, often used humorously to describe lazy characters.
- In popular music, artists have referenced the idea of goldbricking to critique societal attitudes towards work and productivity.
Psychology
- Goldbricking can be a form of procrastination, where individuals distract themselves to avoid necessary tasks.
- People who goldbrick might be experiencing burnout or lack of motivation, indicating deeper workplace issues.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often employ subterfuge and appear busy to hide their true intentions or laziness.
- Satirical works commonly depict goldbricking in social critiques of class and labor.
Origin of 'goldbricked'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'gold' (valuable) with 'bricked' (like a heavy wall), suggesting a faรงade of activity.
- Originated in the mid-20th century, particularly in American slang, often linked to military and office settings.
The term 'goldbrick' originated in the early 20th century and was originally associated with a type of fraudulent gold bar or brick. It is believed to have derived from the act of trying to pass off a worthless brick that looked like gold, thereby implying deception and laziness. The phrase was popularized during the First World War, as soldiers used it to describe comrades who avoided duty or responsibility by pretending to be ill or over-exerting themselves in non-productive ways. The term has evolved to reflect a more general sense of avoiding work or responsibilities in various contexts, extending beyond the military into broader slang usage in business and social settings.