General
blue-collar
What does blue-collar mean?
Describing work or workers involved in manual labor, trades, or physical tasks, historically associated with durable work clothing, as opposed to office-based white-collar work.
"He's proud of his blue-collar trade and out-earns plenty of his white-collar friends."
Origin
From the durable blue shirts worn by manual laborers; in use since the early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does blue-collar mean?
It describes manual, trade, or physical labor and the workers who do it, as opposed to office-based white-collar work.
Where does the term blue-collar come from?
It comes from the durable blue shirts traditionally worn by manual laborers, in use since the early 20th century.
Are blue-collar jobs lower paid?
Not necessarily; many skilled trades pay well and can out-earn plenty of white-collar office roles.
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