pink-collar

[ pingk-kol-er ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a type of employment traditionally held by women, especially relatively low-paying work:

   secretaries, phone operators, and other pink-collar workers.

pink-collar

adjective

1. See white-collar, blue-collar
   of, relating to, or designating low-paid occupations traditionally associated with female workers Compare blue-collar white-collar

Word History and Origins

Origin of pink-collar¹

1975–80; on the model of blue-collar and white-collar

Example Sentences

It speaks of women being “pigeonholed” into “pink-collar” jobs in health and education.

From The Daily Beast

Maintaining a lavish lifestyle is a commonly cited rationale for committing white- or pink-collar crimes.

From The Daily Beast

Among the top 10 cases, five involved “pink-collar criminals” who pocketed anywhere from $4.8 to $16 million.

From The Daily Beast

Dana Goldstein on why reform proposals stiff “pink-collar” workers.

From The Daily Beast

Do the reform proposals kicking around Congress do enough to provide stability to these “pink-collar” workers and their families?

From The Daily Beast