worker
In most contexts, 'worker' refers to an employee. When used in a social or political sense, it often describes the working class as a whole. When describing someone's personality, such as calling them a 'hard worker', it is a compliment meaning they are diligent and industrious. In biology, 'worker' is specifically used for insects like ants or bees to distinguish these individuals from the queen or drones.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Fatima is in the library while Maya is at a cafe.
Maya
I can't believe Chloe thinks she's a hard worker now just 'cause she stayed up till 2am.
Fatima
Right? She's just playing catch-up after slacking off all month.
💡
Maya uses 'hard worker' to mock Chloe's sudden attempt at productivity. Fatima responds using the phrasal verbs 'playing catch-up' (trying to reach a required standard after falling behind) and 'slacking off' (avoiding work or effort).
Meanings
noun
A person who works, especially a person employed to do physical or unskilled work.
"The factory worker was praised for her efficiency on the assembly line."