McJobs and Word Police

[Aristotle]

Can McDonald's Alter the Dictionary?

This has a couple of interesting issues.

Firstly, is a McJob a good or a bad thing.

Secondly, is this an appropriate way for people to go about defining words in our language.

On the first issue, I am not sure. On the second issue, I think this IS a good thing actually. If people took more interest in the words we use, and how we define them, we might strengthen our overall understanding of life around us. Words are how we formalize our thoughts. If we don't take an active role in how our words are defined, we are letting other people control how we think.

[Gadiantor]

I think the McPublicity that they are getting is a good thing for the company, so regardless if they win or not they are going to change some perceptions to their favor.

I'd rather see people in McJobs than in the McWellfare line. These type of jobs are great for new workers to enter the workforce and build an employment history to then move on to "better" jobs. The service industry is important, we all like to be serviced!

I agree that awareness of words and how we define them is a good thing. In this case I think the definition should match the way the term is used. If that's unflattering than that's just too bad.

[Maelgrim]

I don't belive Mcdonalds should be able to change the definition, however, I do belive the term McJob is misleading and degrading to those in the service industry. I belive it should be removed.

A friend of mine started working at Mcdonalds mopping floors and flipping burgers. I know American Mcdonalds is a little different to the stores over here, but here the mcdonalds management training program is a nationally recognised accreditation. Last year he left his 2IC position at mcdonalds, and walked straight into an 80k/year position.

[Jolen]

Wow, Mael. I wish it were like that here. Becoming a manager in most any service industry here is hardly a big deal. While you might get lucky every once in awhile and be promoted to a higher position, the average 'Mcjobber' will only be able to get out by going to school and earning a degree.

[Rosuav]

I'm not sure about the OED's acquisition of words. A lot of the new words added are what I'd consider slang - not sure if they're being marked thus in the dictionary, but I keep hearing of slang being added. There's a place for Dictionaries of Slang Terms, but not in a primary dictionary. On that basis, I think "McJob" shouldn't be in the dictionary at all.

The term itself though - hrm. A job at McDonald's is actually quite respectable. It'll teach you to get to work on time, to serve people, etc, etc. Even if you don't "go anywhere" with it, if you don't look for advancement within Maccas but just get something on your resume and then go, it's still valuable experience. Consequently, I don't use the term "McJob". It has no meaning.