a machine for washing dishes automatically or a person who washes dishes
compound of dish + washer, first recorded 1865
The first dishwasher was invented by a woman who was tired of her servants breaking her fine china - necessity truly is the mother of invention!
Appliance term is neutral; but historically 'dishwasher' as job was feminized and low-wage. Gender bias is contextual—in occupation/wage discussions, acknowledge systemic undervaluation.
As appliance: neutral. As job: note that dishwashing roles were historically gendered female and underpaid; use inclusive language in hiring/labor contexts.
Dishwashing and domestic labor, predominantly performed by women and migrants, remain undervalued despite essential contribution to household and restaurant economies.
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