General
white-collar
What does white-collar mean?
Describing professional, managerial, or administrative work typically performed in an office setting, as distinct from manual blue-collar labor.
"The layoffs this time hit white-collar staff, not just the factory floor."
Origin
From the white dress shirts traditionally worn by office workers; coined in the early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does white-collar mean?
It describes professional, managerial, or administrative work typically done in an office, as opposed to manual blue-collar labor.
Where does the term white-collar come from?
It comes from the white dress shirts traditionally worn by office workers, coined in the early 20th century.
What are examples of white-collar jobs?
Roles like accountants, managers, lawyers, and office administrators are typical white-collar jobs.
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