Brickmaker

/ˈbrɪk.meɪ.kər/ noun

Definition

A person or company that manufactures or produces bricks from clay.

Etymology

From 'brick' plus 'maker', from Old English 'macian' meaning 'to make'. This compound directly describes someone's occupation in creating the fundamental building material.

Kelly Says

Brickmakers were once the CEOs of the construction industry—a successful brick works could supply materials for an entire city's buildings, and brickmaker families often became wealthy and influential during urban expansion periods.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Brickmaking involved both men and women historically, but language defaulted to masculine terms. Women's roles in brick production and kiln work were underdocumented.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'brickmaker' as gender-neutral or 'brick maker'/'brick-maker' to clarify. Specify 'women brick makers' when highlighting participation.

Empowerment Note

Women worked throughout brick production cycles; their labor was essential to output but often credited to male-headed operations.

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