A person who earns money to support themselves or their family, literally the provider of bread (food).
Compound of bread + earner, reflecting an older metaphor where 'bread' meant livelihood and survival. Common in 19th-20th century contexts.
The term 'breadearner' reveals how deeply bread symbolized survival and economic security—calling a worker a 'bread-bringer' captured their essential role perfectly!
Historically coded masculine; paired with 'housewife' (feminine) in 20th-century labor division. Embedded assumption that primary income earner is male, provider role linked to masculinity.
Use 'primary income earner,' 'wage earner,' or 'breadwinner' with gender-neutral framing. Recognize that earners are diverse across genders.
["primary income earner","wage earner","income provider"]
Women have been breadearners throughout history, often uncredited. Feminist economists note women's unpaid labor subsidized male 'breadwinner' mythology; single mothers and multi-earner families challenge the archetype.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.