bluː ˈkɒl.ər
Colors
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- wearing a blue collar
What does "blue-collar" mean?
- relating to manual or industrial work
- describing workers who perform physical labor
Examples
- He comes from a blue-collar family where everyone worked in the steel mills.
- Many blue-collar jobs are now being automated by machines.
- She started with a blue-collar job and worked her way up to management.
Origin
From the blue denim or chambray shirts historically worn by factory and manual workers in the United States, as opposed to the white dress shirts worn by office workers. First used in the 1920s.
How to use it
Used as an adjective to describe jobs, workers, or neighborhoods. Carries no negative connotation — often used with pride.
Similar expressions
working-class
manual labor
industrial worker
Opposites
white-collar
desk job
professional
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
Try "blue-collar" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.