General
scab
What does scab mean?
A worker who crosses a picket line during a strike, or takes a striking worker's job. The ultimate insult in union trades — once you're branded a scab, the name follows you. Used the same way across construction, mining, longshoring, and the railroads.
"Three scabs tried to walk in through the gate this morning."
Origin
British slang from the 1700s, where 'scab' meant a contemptible person (literally, a scabby one). Picked up by American labour unions in the 1800s for strikebreakers.
Frequently asked questions
What does scab mean?
A scab is a worker who crosses a picket line, or a non-union hand working a union job.
How do you use scab in a sentence?
"The strikers shouted 'scab' at anyone going into work."
Is calling someone a scab offensive?
Yes, it's a serious insult in labour circles — it accuses someone of betraying fellow workers during a strike.
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