Drudge

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/drʌdʒ/ (General American, British English)

Definitions

• (Noun) A person who does hard, menial, or dull work.
• (Verb) To do hard, monotonous, or routine work.

Usage Examples

• (Noun) He spent years as a drudge in a factory.
• (Verb) She drudged through the paperwork all afternoon.
• (Verb) He drudged away at his studies to pass the exam.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English druggen, meaning "to work hard," possibly related to Old English drēogan ("to endure").

Synonyms

• Toiler
• Laborer
• Worker
• Slave
• Grind

Antonyms

• Master
• Supervisor
• Relax
• Idle

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /drʌdʒ/
• British English: /drʌdʒ/

Historical Usage

The term "drudge" has been used since the 16th century to refer to people who do laborious and repetitive work, particularly in servitude or low-status jobs.

Cultural Nuances

"Drudge" often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of personal fulfillment. Historically, it was used to describe workers in servitude or tedious occupations.

More Information

The concept of a "drudge" has existed in literature and social discourse for centuries, symbolizing the struggles of the working class. From medieval peasants to modern office workers, the word continues to evoke the hardship of monotonous labor.