working girl: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘working girl’ mean?
The idiom "working girl" refers to a woman who is employed in a job that typically involves manual labor or providing services, often with implications of being in a lower social or economic position.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "your girl" refers to someone who is your romantic partner or significant other. It indicates an emotional connection and implies that the person is special and important to you.
The idiom "woman on the street" refers to an ordinary woman without any special knowledge or expertise in a particular field or subject.
An idiom that refers to taking a break or having a period of rest from work or other responsibilities.
An idiom used to describe someone who is performing or doing something with great intensity or effort.
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
The idiom "piece of work" refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or understand, often due to their complex or challenging behavior or personality.
An idiom used to refer to a particular person's character, occupation, or role, highlighting its uniqueness and individuality.
The idiom "on the clock" means being paid for the time spent working. It implies that a person is actively engaged in their job responsibilities and under the time constraint of their employer.
The idiom "mud monkey" refers to someone who works in construction or manual labor, particularly in muddy or dirty conditions. It conveys the idea of someone who is not afraid to get their hands dirty and is skilled at working in demanding environments.
The idiom "leather working" refers to the process of creating items from leather. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is skillful or proficient in their craft.
Decoding the Implications
The term "working girl" can have different meanings and connotations. It can refer to a woman who is employed in a blue-collar or service industry job, and it can also be used as a euphemism for a prostitute or sex worker. This idiom is often associated with urban settings, particularly cities like New York.
One possible origin of the term dates back to the early 20th century when it was used to describe women who worked in factories or other manual labor jobs. During this time, there was a significant increase in women joining the workforce, and the term was likely used to distinguish them from women who were not employed. This usage of the term "working girl" reflects the changing dynamics of gender roles and labor in society.
Another possible origin of the idiom is related to the entertainment industry. In the early 20th century, there were films and plays that portrayed the lives of women who worked as dancers, performers, or chorus girls. These women were often referred to as "working girls," and the term became associated with women in the entertainment industry. This usage of the term highlights the connection between work and the performing arts.
As time went on, the meaning of the idiom expanded to include women engaged in sex work. This association likely emerged due to the proximity of certain industries, such as entertainment and sex work, as well as societal attitudes and stigmas towards women involved in paid sexual services. The term "working girl" came to be associated with the sex industry, reflecting the complexities and cultural judgments placed on women's choices and occupations.
Today, the idiom "working girl" is commonly used in a more general sense to refer to any employed woman. Its meaning and connotation may vary depending on the context. Some people may use the term to convey a sense of empowerment and independence, while others may use it in a more negative manner, implying a low social status or questionable morality. Regardless of its various meanings, the continued use of this idiom reflects the ongoing dialogue about gender, work, and societal norms.
The related idiom "business girl" can be seen as an extension of the term "working girl." It specifically refers to a woman who is employed in a business or corporate setting. The term "business girl" conveys a sense of professionalism and ambition, highlighting the role of women in the business world. This idiom reflects the progress women have made in breaking through traditional gender barriers and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The other related idiom, "comfort girl," has a different and more complicated meaning. It is historically associated with women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. The term "comfort girl" is highly controversial and offensive, as it downplays the horrific experiences of these women. The use of this idiom in relation to the term "working girl" highlights the importance of carefully considering the language we use and being aware of the historical and cultural context of certain phrases.
The idiom "working girl" has evolved over time and can have different interpretations depending on the context. It has been used to describe employed women, particularly those in blue-collar or service industry jobs, as well as women in the entertainment industry. However, it has also been associated with sex work, reflecting the societal attitudes and stigmas surrounding women in these occupations. The related idioms "business girl" and "comfort girl" further expand on the concept of women in different work environments. While "business girl" highlights women's success in the corporate world, "comfort girl" serves as a reminder of the dark history and ongoing struggles faced by women. The language we use and the meanings we convey through idioms reflect the complex dynamics of gender, work, and society as a whole.
Example usage
Examples:
1. She's a hardworking girl who always puts in extra hours at the office.
2. The working girl managed to juggle her job and her studies successfully.
3. The film tells the story of a young working girl trying to make ends meet in the big city.
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