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Malinger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malinger

[mษ™หˆlษชล‹ษกษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

avoid work

To malinger means to pretend to be sick or incapacitated in order to avoid working or fulfilling an obligation. This deceptive behavior often occurs in the workplace where an employee feigns illness to escape duties.

Synonyms

fake, feign, shirk.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to malinger to get a day off work.
  • She often malingers during busy weeks to avoid extra shifts.
  • The student was caught trying to malinger to get out of an exam.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals who malinger may exhibit signs of malingering, which can stem from underlying psychological issues or stress.
  • Some experts differentiate between malingering and factitious disorders, where one deliberately feigns illness for attention or sympathy.
  • Understanding the motivations behind malingering helps in addressing the root causes rather than the behavior itself.

Legal Context

  • Malingering is often discussed in legal contexts, especially in cases involving claims for disability or workers' compensation.
  • In forensic psychology, identifying malingering can significantly impact court decisions about a person's mental state.
  • Courts may hire experts to evaluate claims of malingering, especially when injury or illness claims seem exaggerated.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of malingering often appears in various TV shows and movies, depicting characters avoiding responsibilities.
  • In literature, characters may feign illness to escape social conventions or oppressive situations, reflecting societal criticism.
  • Stand-up comedians sometimes joke about malingering, tapping into the universal theme of avoiding work or duties.

Origin of 'malinger'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the French word 'malingre,' meaning 'sickly' or 'ailing.'
  • It was first recorded in English in the 19th century, reflecting attitudes towards laziness in work.
  • The usage highlights a blend between deceit and health, focusing on dishonesty about one's condition.

The word 'malinger' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. Its exact roots are somewhat obscure, but it is thought to be derived from the French word 'malingre,' which means 'sickly' or 'weak.' This word itself may have originated from the Latin term 'maledictus,' meaning 'cursed' or 'ill-favored.' 'Malinger' initially referred to a person who was sickly or in poor health, but over time, it evolved to specifically describe someone who pretends to be ill to avoid duty. This usage reflects a growing concern with work ethic in the 19th century, as the industrial revolution placed greater emphasis on productivity and attendance in the workplace.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,264, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.