WordGarden.ioworkingman
C2Pronunciation
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Meanings
Noun
a man who works for wages, especially in manual or industrial labor
Beyond the definition
The term "workingman" usually brings to mind a man who earns his living through physical labor or a skilled trade, such as a carpenter building a house, a miner digging for coal, or a mechanic fixing cars. It is more than just having a job; it points to the steady, practical effort of hands-on work. While "worker" is a broader word, "workingman" has often been used for men in blue-collar jobs and in talk about ordinary people, hard times, unions, and fair pay. The word has a traditional feel and is now somewhat dated, but you may still hear it in older writing, songs, or speeches about labor and working-class life.
"Workingman" is a term that historically refers to a man who earns his livelihood through manual labor or skilled trades—someone whose work primarily involves physical effort rather than intellectual or administrative tasks. Think of the blacksmith shaping metal, the shipbuilder crafting vessels, or the construction worker raising skyscrapers. It's a phrase deeply rooted in industrial and pre-industrial societies where most jobs involved hands-on skills.
While "worker" is a more general term encompassing all types of employment, "workingman" carries more specific social and cultural weight. It usually suggests a man in a blue-collar job and often brings to mind ideas of honest effort, toughness, and working-class identity. In some older contexts, it could also suggest a man supporting a family, but that is a common association rather than the core definition.
However, it's important to note that the term is somewhat dated and is explicitly gendered (though "workingwoman" exists, it hasn't gained the same widespread usage). Modern language often favors more inclusive terms like "blue-collar worker," "tradesperson," or simply "laborer."
You might encounter "workingman" in older literature, folk songs, political rhetoric about economic policy affecting manual laborers, or when discussing the historical struggles of the working class. For example: "The politician promised to fight for the rights of the workingman," or "His father was a diligent workingman who instilled a strong work ethic in his children." It's a phrase that carries echoes of a bygone era, reminding us of the value and importance of those who build and maintain our world with their hands.
Examples
- 1
Family background
My grandfather was a workingman all his life, first in the mines and later on the railroad.
- 2
Labor organizing
The union hall was packed with workingmen after the factory announced layoffs.
- 3
Political language
The candidate said he was fighting for the workingman, but many voters wanted more specific plans.
- Usagethe workingman
working people in general; common in political or older language
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- workingmannoun
Forms
- workingmenpluralnoun