A person who does hard, tedious, and unpleasant work, especially for low pay.
Origin uncertain, possibly from Middle Dutch 'drudgen' or an imitative origin. First appeared in English in the 1520s, describing those stuck doing monotonous labor.
The word 'drudge' became famous in literature as a symbol of inequality—Cinderella is essentially a drudge, which is why her transformation is so powerful as a fantasy!
Historically associated with repetitive, low-status labor often performed by women and enslaved people. The term encodes class and gender assumptions about whose work is valued.
Use 'drudge' to describe the work itself, not to characterize people as drudges. Avoid suggesting certain groups are naturally suited to tedious labor.
["routine labor","repetitive work","monotonous task"]
Women throughout history have fought against being confined to drudgery; recognize their organizational labor, care work, and advocacy beyond stereotypical invisible roles.
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