clock watcher etymology

Etymology:

  • Clock: Middle English "clokke," from Old English "clucge," meaning "bell" or "bell-like sound."
  • Watcher: Middle English "wachere," from Old English "wacer," meaning "one who keeps watch."

Meaning:

A clockwatcher is a person who spends an excessive amount of time looking at the clock, especially during work hours. It implies someone who is primarily interested in the end of the workday and may not be actively engaged in their work.

Origin:

The term "clockwatcher" was first used in the 1800s to describe factory workers who would obsessively look at the clock as the day wore on. It was later used more broadly to refer to anyone who spends too much time watching the clock, regardless of their occupation.

Usage:

The term clockwatcher is often used in a negative sense to describe someone who is unmotivated or lazy. It can also be used to criticize someone who is not fully invested in their work or is not meeting expectations.

Synonyms:

  • Slacker
  • Time-waster
  • Goof-off
  • Shirker

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