Deskbound

/ˈdɛskbaʊnd/ adjective

Definition

Confined to working at a desk; stuck doing office work rather than moving around or doing field work.

Etymology

Compound word formed from 'desk' (from Old Dutch 'deske') + 'bound' (past participle of 'bind'), combining in the 20th century to describe modern office workers.

Kelly Says

The word 'deskbound' gained real traction after WWII when office jobs exploded, but it carries a subtle note of complaint—you never hear someone say 'I'm proud to be deskbound,' it usually implies feeling trapped!

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