pen pusher

noun

, Informal.

1. pencil pusher.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pen pusher¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Derek: He died the year before I was born, but my father had always said his father was a lowly official in a bank; a pen pusher.

From The Guardian

That poindexter pen pusher, nerd-type character.

From Seattle Times

In Charlotte, N.C., four candidates in the Central High School election, disdaining the conventional office titles�president, vice president, secretary, treasurer�announced that they were running for "big boss, little boss, pen pusher and moneybags."

From Time Magazine Archive

With the exception of Phil Chatterton, who was more of a special writer than reporter, Stillman was almost universally acknowledged to be the best informed pen pusher who made a specialty of dealing with the national game.

From Project Gutenberg

Some cautious pen pusher behind a desk, he thought chaotically.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agent
• auditor
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• cashier
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• worker