McJob
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:32 pm
This seems like the most appropriate place to post this. McDonald's, having failed with Merriam-Webster, is now trying to convince the Oxford English Dictionary to remove McJob or change the definition.
Story: McDonald's Seeks to Redefine 'McJobs'
Story: McDonald's Seeks to Redefine 'McJobs'
Actually, dictionaries are supposed to be accurate, but they are also supposed to document the language as it is used by the speakers.The Oxford English Dictionary, considered by many wordsmiths as the gold standard for the English language, is one of those that will be targeted. It defines the noun as "an unstimulating, low-paid job with few prospects, esp. one created by the expansion of the service sector."
The word first cropped up two decades ago in the Washington Post, according to the dictionary. But executives at Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's say the definition is demeaning to its workers and say theyll ask dictionary editors to amend the definition.
"Dictionaries are supposed to be paragons of accuracy. And in this case, they got it completely wrong," said Walt Riker, a McDonald's spokesman. "It's a complete disservice and incredibly demeaning to a terrific work force and a company that's been a jobs and opportunity machine for 50 years."