scutwork

or scut work

[ skuht-wurk ]

noun

, Informal.

1. menial, routine work, as that done by an underling:

   the scutwork of scrubbing pots and pans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutwork¹

1960–65; scut (< ?) + work

Example Sentences

Writers who have experimented with AI have speculated that it could be helpful, if not in coming up with original ideas, maybe at least in sparking a few, and doing away with the drudgery of coming up with “loglines” and “beat sheets,” Hollywood-ese for scutwork.

From Washington Post

Staring at pickled spiders through a microscope might seem like scutwork, but it’s a delight for arachnologists.

From Seattle Times

Too many seem personally affronted by the kinds of scutwork and drudgery that were just called “life” when I was coming up.

From Washington Post

His duties must eventually have included more than mere scutwork.

From Washington Post

Then, a decade ago, I moved home and started to dwell on my own complicity each time relatives, friends, acquaintances and strangers casually slid into the same language I’d heard as a kid: “Ese trabajo es de negro,” equating scutwork to black work.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• assignment
• burden
• duty
• errand
• housework
• routine
• workout