company town: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘company town’ mean?
A *company town* refers to a community that is heavily dependent on a single company or industry for employment and economic stability.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "one-horse town" refers to a small and unimportant place, typically lacking excitement or opportunities. It conveys a sense of boredom, insignificance, and limited resources within the town.
The idiom "go downtown" typically means to go to the central part of a city, often associated with the commercial or business district.
The idiom "corporation pop" refers to the slang term for fizzy or carbonated drinks, particularly those produced by large corporations. It implies that these beverages are mass-produced and commercially driven.
A "corporate welfare bum" refers to large corporations or businesses that receive excessive financial support or privileges from the government, often at the expense of taxpayers or smaller businesses. This idiom highlights the perception of such companies as being dependent on government assistance without contributing enough back to society.
The idiom "corner the market" means to gain control over a particular market or industry by having a monopoly or dominant position in it. It refers to the act of controlling the supply and demand of a specific product or service, thereby eliminating competition and gaining significant power in setting prices.
The idiom "concrete jungle" refers to a modern and urbanized place that lacks natural elements and is dominated by buildings and infrastructure.
The idiom *common run* refers to the average or typical group of people or things. It represents the majority or the most ordinary.
The idiom "business girl" refers to a young woman who is ambitious and career-oriented, particularly in the business world.
The idiom "born and bred" means being born and raised in a particular place, indicating strong ties and familiarity with that place.
Whisper Unmasked
A company town is a community closely tied to a single company or industry. In these towns, the majority of residents work for the company, and their lives revolve around it. The idiom "company town" is a metaphor that refers to any situation where a single entity has significant control over a community or industry.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when many industrial towns in the United States were built around specific companies or industries. These towns were created by companies to house and support their workforce, providing services such as housing, education, and healthcare. Pullman, Illinois, built by the Pullman Palace Car Company, and Hershey, Pennsylvania, built by the Hershey Chocolate Company, are well-known examples of company towns.
In a company town, the company not only provides employment but also controls many aspects of the community's infrastructure and services. This includes owning or leasing the majority of housing, schools, and other facilities. The company may also have representatives on the town's governing board or create separate regulations from the larger government.
Living in a company town has its pros and cons. On the one hand, residents benefit from stable employment and well-maintained facilities provided by the company. However, the company's control over the town can limit autonomy and economic diversification. If the company faces a downturn or leaves the area, the town and its residents may suffer.
As time has passed, the idiom "company town" has expanded beyond its literal meaning. It now encompasses situations where a single entity, whether it be a corporation, organization, or government, exerts significant influence or control over a community, industry, or field of study. This idiom often implies dependency, lack of diversity, and potential vulnerability.
The idiom "one-horse town" is related to the concept of a company town. It refers to a small and unimportant town that lacks activity and excitement. In a one-horse town, the dominance of a single company can make the town seem dull and uneventful.
The idiom "big end of town" is also related to the notion of a company town. It refers to the most powerful and influential individuals or organizations in a particular industry or community. In a company town, the company itself would be considered the big end of town, having significant control and influence over the lives of its employees and the town as a whole.
Another related idiom is "go downtown," which means to travel to the central business district of a city or town. In a company town, the downtown area would likely be where the company's headquarters and main offices are located, serving as the heart of the community.
The idiom "concrete jungle" can also be associated with a company town. It is used to describe a city or urban area that is characterized by its dense population, tall buildings, and lack of green spaces. In some company towns, the focus is primarily on industrial activities and infrastructure, leading to a densely populated and industrialized environment, resembling a concrete jungle.
The idiom "company town" originated from towns built around specific companies or industries. It has evolved to encompass situations where a single entity has substantial control over a community or industry. The concept highlights the complexities and potential drawbacks of concentration of power, emphasizing the delicate balance between dependency and autonomy. The related idioms "one-horse town," "big end of town," "go downtown," and "concrete jungle" provide additional perspectives on the concept of a company town.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "company town" can be used in a sentence:
- In the early 20th century, many mining towns in the Appalachian region were considered company towns, as the entire community relied on the mining company for housing, healthcare, and social services.
- After the automobile manufacturing plant closed down, the town that had developed around it became a ghost town, illustrating the negative consequences of a company town when the company pulls out.
- Some argue that tech giants like Google and Facebook have too much influence over the city they are headquartered in, turning it into a company town where their presence dominates the economy and culture.
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