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Peon: meaning, definitions and examples

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peon

 

[ ˈpiːən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

labor, work

A peon is a laborer or farm worker, typically someone who is unskilled and performs menial tasks. The term is often used derogatorily to refer to someone of low social status or someone who is subject to the whims of others.

Synonyms

farmhand, laborer, serf, worker.

Examples of usage

  • The peons worked tirelessly in the fields.
  • Many peons struggle to make a living wage.
  • He felt like a peon in the corporate world.
Context #2 | Noun

historical, social

Historically, a peon referred to a laborer in a colonial or feudal system, often bound to serve a landowner. This social structure placed peons at a disadvantage, as they had little to no rights and were often forced into servitude.

Synonyms

serf, slave, vassal.

Examples of usage

  • During the colonial period, many peons were exploited by the landowners.
  • The legacy of peonage persists in some regions today.
  • Peons were essential to the agricultural economy.

Translations

Translations of the word "peon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peão

🇮🇳 मजदूर

🇩🇪 Hilfsarbeiter

🇮🇩 buruh

🇺🇦 підсобний робітник

🇵🇱 robotnik

🇯🇵 小作人

🇫🇷 ouvrier non qualifié

🇪🇸 peón

🇹🇷 işçi

🇰🇷 하인

🇸🇦 عامل غير مؤهل

🇨🇿 dělník

🇸🇰 robotník

🇨🇳 工人

🇸🇮 delavec

🇮🇸 verkamaður

🇰🇿 жұмысшы

🇬🇪 შრომა

🇦🇿 işçi

🇲🇽 peón

Etymology

The word 'peon' originates from the Spanish term 'peón', meaning a laborer or foot soldier. The etymology can be traced back to the Latin word 'pedonem', which is the accusative form of 'pes', meaning foot. Initially used to refer to unskilled laborers and foot soldiers, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings. It became particularly prominent during the colonial period, where it described laborers in servile positions in Latin America and other colonies. Over time, it has taken on a derogatory connotation, often indicating someone of low status or importance in a hierarchy. The notion of peonage, or debt slavery, emerged in this context, where peons could be essentially bound to a landowner until their debts were repaid, which often led to a cycle of poverty and exploitation. Today, the term is still used in various contexts, typically to denote someone who is seen as expendable or of low social standing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,322 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.