Top 45 Slang For Job – Meaning & Usage

In the ever-evolving world of work, new job titles and industry jargon seem to emerge overnight. Keeping up with the latest slang for job can be a challenge, but fear not! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the trendiest job-related terms that will have you speaking the language of the modern workplace. Whether you’re looking to impress at a networking event or simply want to stay in the loop, this listicle is your go-to guide for all things job-related. Get ready to upgrade your professional vocabulary and wow your colleagues with your newfound knowledge!

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1. Axe

To be fired or let go from a job. The term “axe” is often used to describe sudden and unexpected job loss.

For example, “I got axed from my job yesterday. I didn’t see it coming.”
A person might say, “I’m worried about getting the axe if the company downsizes.”
In a conversation about layoffs, someone might ask, “Who got the axe in the latest round of cuts?”

2. Back to the drawing board

To go back to the beginning or restart a project or task. The phrase is often used when previous attempts or plans have failed.

For instance, “Our proposal got rejected, so it’s back to the drawing board.”
A person might say, “I made a mistake with my design. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.”
In a team meeting, someone might suggest, “We need to rethink our strategy. Let’s go back to the drawing board.”

3. Back to the salt mines

To go back to work after a break or vacation. The phrase is often used humorously to express the feeling of returning to a demanding or tiring job.

For example, “I had a great vacation, but now it’s back to the salt mines.”
A person might say, “I enjoyed my day off, but now it’s time to go back to the salt mines.”
In a conversation about work-life balance, someone might joke, “I wish I could stay on vacation forever, but alas, it’s back to the salt mines.”

4. Blue collar worker

A person who performs physical or manual work, often in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or maintenance. The term “blue collar” refers to the traditional blue-colored shirts or uniforms worn by workers in these fields.

For instance, “My dad is a blue collar worker. He’s been a mechanic for over 20 years.”
A person might say, “Blue collar workers play a vital role in keeping our infrastructure running.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, someone might mention, “There’s a high demand for skilled blue collar workers in the current market.”

5. Deadwood

A person who is considered unproductive or unhelpful in their job. The term “deadwood” is often used to describe someone who is not contributing to the success or progress of a team or organization.

For example, “We need to get rid of the deadwood in our department. They’re dragging us down.”
A manager might say, “I’m concerned about the deadwood in our team. We need to address their performance.”
In a conversation about organizational efficiency, someone might suggest, “Removing deadwood can improve overall productivity and morale.”

6. Bust one’s buns

This phrase means to put in a lot of effort and work tirelessly.

For example, “I’ve been busting my buns all week to meet the deadline.”
A coworker might say, “You really busted your buns on that project.”
In a conversation about work ethic, someone might mention, “I don’t mind busting my buns if it means getting ahead.”

7. Bumped up

This term refers to being given a higher position or rank within a company or organization.

For instance, “I finally got bumped up to manager after years of hard work.”
A coworker might say, “Congratulations on getting bumped up! You deserve it.”
In a discussion about career progression, someone might ask, “How long does it usually take to get bumped up to a higher level?”

8. Carve out a niche

This phrase means to create or find a unique and specialized role or position within a particular industry or field.

For example, “She was able to carve out a niche for herself in the fashion industry.”
A business owner might say, “Our company has successfully carved out a niche in the market.”
In a conversation about career advice, someone might suggest, “Try to find a way to carve out a niche for yourself to stand out from the competition.”

9. Desk jockey

This term is used to describe someone who works primarily in an office setting and spends a lot of time sitting at a desk.

For instance, “He’s been a desk jockey for years, always working on his computer.”
A coworker might jokingly say, “I envy the desk jockeys who don’t have to deal with physical labor.”
In a discussion about different types of jobs, someone might mention, “Being a desk jockey can be mentally demanding, even if it’s not physically strenuous.”

10. Dog eat dog world

This phrase refers to a highly competitive and cutthroat environment where individuals are willing to do anything to succeed.

For example, “The business world can be a real dog eat dog world.”
A coworker might say, “You have to be tough to survive in this dog eat dog world.”
In a conversation about workplace dynamics, someone might mention, “It’s unfortunate that some companies foster a dog eat dog world rather than a collaborative environment.”

11. Slacker

A slacker is someone who avoids work or puts in minimal effort. It is often used to describe someone who is lazy or lacks motivation.

For example, a coworker might say, “He’s such a slacker. He never does his fair share of the work.”
In a school setting, a teacher might complain, “I have a few slackers in my class who never turn in their assignments.”
A friend might joke, “I’m such a slacker. I could spend all day on the couch.”

12. Workaholic

A workaholic is someone who is excessively addicted to work and spends long hours on their job. It is often used to describe someone who is overly dedicated to their work and neglects other aspects of their life.

For instance, a colleague might comment, “She’s a workaholic. She’s always the last one to leave the office.”
A friend might say, “I’m worried about him. He’s become a total workaholic and never has time for anything else.”
In a job interview, a candidate might be asked, “Are you a workaholic? How do you balance work and personal life?”

13. Gig

A gig is a temporary job or performance, often in the entertainment industry. It can also refer to any type of work or assignment, especially when it is of short duration.

For example, a musician might say, “I have a gig at the local bar tonight.”
A freelancer might say, “I just landed a gig writing articles for a magazine.”
A friend might ask, “Do you have any gigs lined up for the summer?”

14. Hustle

Hustle refers to working hard or putting in extra effort to achieve a goal. It can also refer to a side job or a way to make money outside of one’s regular employment.

For instance, a coach might motivate their team by saying, “Let’s hustle and give it our all!”
A person might say, “I have a side hustle selling handmade jewelry.”
In a business context, someone might say, “He’s always hustling to close deals and bring in new clients.”

15. Grind

Grind refers to the daily hard work or routine necessary to achieve a goal. It can also refer to the process of working tirelessly towards success.

For example, a student might say, “I’m on the grind, studying for my exams.”
A business owner might say, “Running a successful business requires a lot of grind and perseverance.”
A friend might say, “I respect her grind. She’s always working towards her goals.”

16. 9 to 5

Refers to a typical work schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This term is often used to describe a traditional full-time job with set hours.

For example, “I’m tired of working the 9 to 5 grind. I want more flexibility in my schedule.”
In a conversation about work-life balance, someone might say, “I’m trying to find a job that doesn’t require me to work 9 to 5.”
A person might complain, “My boss expects me to be available 24/7, even though I’m only supposed to work 9 to 5.”

17. Bread and butter

This phrase refers to the primary or most reliable source of income. It is often used to describe the job or work that provides a person’s basic financial support.

For instance, “Freelancing is great, but my 9 to 5 job is still my bread and butter.”
In a discussion about career choices, someone might say, “I’m pursuing my passion, but I need to find a bread and butter job to pay the bills.”
A person might advise, “Don’t quit your bread and butter job until you have a solid plan in place.”

18. J-O-B

This term is used as a playful or sarcastic way to refer to a job. It sometimes implies a negative or unfulfilling work experience.

For example, “I have to go to my J-O-B. Ugh, Mondays.”
In a conversation about career aspirations, someone might say, “I want more than just a J-O-B. I want a fulfilling career.”
A person might complain, “I’m tired of working multiple J-O-Bs just to make ends meet.”

19. Day job

This phrase refers to a person’s main or primary job, usually the one they work during the day. It distinguishes the main source of income from any additional or side jobs.

For instance, “I’m a musician by night, but my day job is working as an accountant.”
In a discussion about career changes, someone might say, “I’m considering quitting my day job to pursue my passion.”
A person might explain, “I work a day job to pay the bills, but my true passion is photography.”

20. Gig economy

This term describes a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term or freelance work. It refers to the trend of people taking on multiple jobs or gigs rather than having a traditional full-time job.

For example, “I love the flexibility of the gig economy. I can work on different projects and have more control over my schedule.”
In a conversation about job security, someone might say, “The gig economy has its benefits, but it can also be unstable.”
A person might discuss, “I’m part of the gig economy, working as a rideshare driver and doing freelance graphic design.”

21. Side hustle

A side hustle refers to a part-time job or gig that someone takes on outside of their primary employment. It is often done to earn extra income or pursue a passion.

For example, “I have a full-time job during the day, but my side hustle is selling handmade jewelry online.”
A person might say, “I drive for a rideshare company as a side hustle to supplement my income.”
Another might mention, “My side hustle is tutoring students in math after work.”

22. Cubicle farm

Cubicle farm is a term used to describe an office space where there are multiple cubicles arranged in close proximity to one another. It is often used to convey a sense of monotony or lack of privacy.

For instance, “I work in a cubicle farm with rows and rows of cubicles.”
A person might say, “The cubicle farm can get quite noisy and distracting.”
Another might complain, “I feel like I’m just a number in this cubicle farm.”

23. Daily grind

Daily grind refers to the monotonous routine or the everyday work routine that someone goes through. It implies a sense of repetitive and tiresome tasks.

For example, “I wake up, go to work, come home, and repeat. It’s the daily grind.”
A person might say, “I’m tired of the daily grind. I need some excitement in my life.”
Another might mention, “The daily grind can be exhausting, but it’s necessary to pay the bills.”

24. Career

Career refers to a long-term profession or occupation that a person chooses to pursue. It often implies opportunities for growth, advancement, and development in a particular field.

For instance, “I’m building my career in marketing and hope to become a marketing director someday.”
A person might say, “I’m committed to my career as a teacher and want to make a positive impact on students.”
Another might mention, “Choosing the right career path is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success.”

25. Occupation

Occupation simply refers to a person’s job or profession. It is a broad term that encompasses various types of work or employment.

For example, “My occupation is a software engineer.”
A person might say, “I’m looking for a new occupation that aligns with my interests and skills.”
Another might mention, “There are numerous occupations available in the healthcare industry.”

26. Livelihood

Livelihood refers to the means by which a person earns a living or supports themselves financially.

For example, someone might say, “Farming is their livelihood, they depend on it for income.”
In a discussion about career choices, one might say, “I want a job that provides a stable livelihood.”
A person might ask, “What can I do to improve my livelihood and financial well-being?”

27. White-collar

White-collar refers to professional or office-based work that typically involves mental or administrative tasks and is often associated with higher levels of education.

For instance, someone might say, “He works in a white-collar job as a lawyer.”
In a conversation about different types of employment, one might say, “White-collar jobs often require specialized knowledge and skills.”
A person might ask, “What are the advantages of pursuing a white-collar career?”

28. Blue-collar

Blue-collar refers to manual labor or trade work that typically involves physical tasks and is often associated with working-class jobs.

For example, someone might say, “He works a blue-collar job as a construction worker.”
In a discussion about job opportunities, one might say, “Blue-collar jobs can offer stable employment and good wages.”
A person might ask, “What are some common industries that employ blue-collar workers?”

29. Boss

Boss refers to the person in charge or a supervisor within a workplace or organization.

For instance, someone might say, “My boss gave me a promotion.”
In a conversation about work dynamics, one might say, “It’s important to have a good relationship with your boss.”
A person might ask, “How can I impress my boss and stand out in the workplace?”

30. Co-worker

Co-worker refers to a person who works together with you in the same organization or company.

For example, someone might say, “I have a great relationship with my co-workers.”
In a discussion about teamwork, one might say, “Effective communication among co-workers is essential for productivity.”
A person might ask, “How can I build strong relationships with my co-workers?”

31. Freelancer

A freelancer is an individual who is self-employed and offers their services to multiple clients on a project basis. They are not employed by any one company and have the freedom to choose the projects they work on and set their own rates.

For example, “I work as a freelance graphic designer, so I have the flexibility to work with different clients.”
A freelancer might say, “I love the freedom and autonomy that comes with being a freelancer.”
Another might mention, “As a freelancer, I have to constantly hustle for new projects and clients.”

32. Breadwinner

The breadwinner is the person in a household who earns the majority or all of the income to support the family. This term is often used to refer to the person who is responsible for financially supporting their dependents.

For instance, “My father was the breadwinner in our family, working long hours to provide for us.”
In a discussion about gender roles, someone might say, “Traditionally, the man was expected to be the breadwinner.”
A person might express their gratitude by saying, “I am grateful to my partner for being a supportive breadwinner.”

33. Nine-to-five

The term “nine-to-five” refers to a typical work schedule that starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM. It is often used to describe a traditional office job with set working hours.

For example, “I have a nine-to-five job, so I have weekends off.”
Someone might mention, “I’m tired of the nine-to-five grind and want to pursue a more flexible career.”
A person might say, “I prefer the stability of a nine-to-five job over irregular working hours.”

34. Vocation

Vocation refers to a person’s occupation or profession, but it often carries a deeper meaning of a strong sense of purpose or calling. It implies that the individual is passionate about their work and feels a sense of fulfillment in their chosen career.

For instance, “Teaching is not just a job for me; it’s my vocation.”
Someone might say, “I believe everyone should find their vocation and do what they love.”
A person might express their happiness by saying, “I feel fortunate to have found my vocation early in life.”

35. Employment

Employment simply refers to the state of being employed or having a job. It is a broad term that encompasses any type of work or occupation that provides income.

For example, “I am currently seeking employment after graduating from college.”
Someone might mention, “The unemployment rate is a key indicator of the health of the economy.”
A person might say, “Stable employment is important for financial security.”

36. Work

This term refers to any form of employment or activity that one engages in to earn a living. It can encompass a wide range of tasks and responsibilities.

For example, “I have to go to work tomorrow.”
A person might say, “I’ve been looking for work for months with no luck.”
In a conversation about career choices, someone might ask, “What kind of work are you interested in?”

37. Profession

This term specifically refers to a type of job or occupation that requires specialized education, training, or skills. It often implies a higher level of expertise and knowledge.

For instance, “Being a doctor is a noble profession.”
A person might say, “I’m proud to be in the legal profession.”
In a discussion about career paths, someone might ask, “What profession are you considering?”

38. Trade

This term typically refers to a job or occupation that requires specific skills or training, often in a manual or technical field. It can also refer to the industry or sector associated with those jobs.

For example, “He learned his trade as an apprentice.”
A person might say, “I’m thinking of going into the construction trade.”
In a conversation about job opportunities, someone might mention, “The trade industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.”

39. Calling

This term refers to a job or occupation that one feels a strong sense of purpose or personal fulfillment in. It implies a deep connection or sense of destiny with the chosen profession.

For instance, “Teaching is her true calling in life.”
A person might say, “I believe my calling is to help others through counseling.”
In a discussion about career satisfaction, someone might ask, “Have you found your true calling?”

40. Craft

This term refers to a job or occupation that requires manual dexterity, artistic skill, or specialized knowledge. It often implies a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

For example, “He honed his craft as a master carpenter.”
A person might say, “I’m passionate about the culinary craft.”
In a conversation about creative careers, someone might mention, “The craft of filmmaking requires a diverse set of skills.”

41. Position

This refers to a specific role or job title within an organization or industry. It describes the particular responsibilities and duties that a person holds in their job.

For example, “I just got promoted to a management position at my company.”
A person might say, “I’m looking for a position in marketing.”
In a job interview, an interviewer might ask, “What positions have you held in the past?”

42. Line of work

This refers to the specific field or industry in which someone is employed or works. It describes the type of work or job that a person is involved in.

For instance, “I’m in the line of work of graphic design.”
A person might say, “I’m considering a change in my line of work.”
In a conversation about career choices, someone might ask, “What line of work are you interested in?”

43. Career path

This refers to the progression of someone’s career over time. It describes the various jobs, positions, and experiences that a person has had and how they have led to their current or desired career.

For example, “I’m planning my career path to become a CEO.”
Someone might say, “I’m still figuring out my career path.”
In a discussion about career development, a person might ask, “What steps have you taken to advance in your career path?”

44. Jobber

This term refers to a person who works for a living or is employed in a job. It is a casual or colloquial way to refer to someone who is a worker or employee.

For instance, “I’m just a jobber trying to make ends meet.”
A person might say, “I work as a jobber in a restaurant.”
In a conversation about different types of workers, someone might ask, “Are you a jobber or a freelancer?”

45. Paycheck

This refers to the money that someone earns from their job, typically received on a regular basis. It is a term used to describe the payment or salary that a person receives for their work.

For example, “I can’t wait to receive my paycheck at the end of the month.”
Someone might say, “I’m living paycheck to paycheck.”
In a discussion about financial stability, a person might ask, “How much is your average paycheck?”