gig economy

[ gig i-kon-uh-mee ]

noun

, Slang.

1. an economic sector consisting of part-time, temporary, and freelance jobs:

   rapid growth of the online gig economy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gig economy¹

First recorded in 2005–10; gig ¹( def ) (in the sense “a job of uncertain duration”) + economy ( def )

Example Sentences

Henry, from the IWGB, says this puts the responsibility on people working in the gig economy to get better conditions rather than the government.

From BBC

The effect of the decision on the companies’ operations and the broader gig economy in California wasn’t immediately clear, given ongoing litigation over a subsequent, voter-backed proposition that exempted app-based drivers from the employee classification.

From Los Angeles Times

Following a cast of slackers and crackpots in suburban Florida, the video game-like musical comedy marries gummy 3-D graphics and stoned-guy humor with sly commentary on hustle culture and the gig economy.

From New York Times

California’s Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday on the constitutionality of Proposition 22, the voter-approved law that classified drivers working in the gig economy as independent contractors rather than full-fledged employees.

From Los Angeles Times

The case was closely watched for what effect a ruling would have on workers in the “gig economy.”

From Seattle Times