Sacked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🎒
sacked
[sækt ]
Definitions
employment termination
To dismiss someone from their job, typically due to poor performance or downsizing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sacked |
Used in informal communication to imply someone was removed from their job, often abruptly or without much ceremony. It generally carries a negative connotation.
|
| dismiss |
Used in both formal and informal settings to indicate someone is being let go from their job. This term doesn't always carry a strong negative connotation and can be more neutral.
|
| fire |
Commonly used in both formal and informal situations to indicate someone is being removed from their job, usually due to poor performance or misconduct. It carries a strong and often negative connotation.
|
| terminate |
Used mainly in formal and legal contexts to indicate the end of employment. This term can be more neutral and professional-sounding than other synonyms.
|
Examples of usage
- He was sacked for consistently arriving late to work.
- The company sacked a number of employees during the restructuring.
- She was sacked after failing to meet her sales targets.
British English
A bag or pouch, typically one made of hessian or other rough material.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sacked |
Typically used in a professional or historical context to indicate that someone has been fired from their job or a city has been looted or destroyed.
|
| bag |
Commonly refers to a container used to carry items, often used in everyday situations.
|
| pouch |
Refers to a small, soft bag used to carry things, often used in contexts related to animals or small personal items.
|
Examples of usage
- He carried his belongings in a small sack.
- The farmer filled the sack with potatoes.
- She reached into the sack to grab a snack.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Characters in films often face comedic 'sacking' moments, such as in 'The Office', showcasing awkward office culture.
- The phrase 'you’re sacked' has become popularized in reality TV and talent shows when contestants are eliminated.
- 'Sacked' is often used in sports commentary when a player is replaced or dropped from a team.
Psychology
- Being 'sacked' can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and a sense of loss of identity in individuals.
- Studies show that losing a job can impact mental health significantly, leading to changes in self-esteem.
- How someone perceives being 'sacked' often depends on their personal circumstances and coping mechanisms.
Literature
- In various novels, characters who are sacked often embark on journeys of self-discovery and change.
- The concept of being sacked frequently symbolizes a turning point in a character’s life in narrative arcs.
- Many authors explore the theme of job loss as a catalyst for personal growth in their characters’ journeys.
History
- Historically, being sacked was less about job loss and more connected to military campaigns where cities were looted.
- The idea of being 'sacked' in a job context became more prevalent in the modern workforce during the 20th century.
- Industrialization brought about mass unemployment and job insecurity, leading to a more common understanding of being sacked.
Origin of 'sacked'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'sack' in this context comes from the Old French word 'sac', meaning a bag.
- Historical usage dates back to the 14th century when a 'sack' referred to a bundle or bag that could also mean losing something.
- In military terms, 'sacking' originally referred to the act of looting or pillaging a place.
The word 'sacked' originated from Middle English 'sak', from Old English 'sacc', a bag, originally used to refer to a bag made of rough fabric for carrying goods. Over time, the term evolved to also mean the act of dismissing someone from their job, likely due to the idea of them being metaphorically 'put in a bag' and removed. The employment termination meaning of 'sacked' became more popular in the 20th century, especially in British English.