Sweatshop
/ˈswɛt.ʃɒp/noun
A workshop where workers are employed at very low wages for long hours under poor conditions.
Did you know?The term 'sweatshop' evokes not just hard labor, but also the idea of 'sweating' as in being forced to work under duress, reminiscent of dark labor practices throughout history.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
sweten
“to expel moisture from the body, especially through exertion.”
16th Century
English
sweat
“to work hard; to labor intensely.”
17th Century
English
shop
“a place where work is done or goods are manufactured.”
19th Century
English
sweatshop
“a workshop where workers toil under oppressive conditions for minimal pay.”
20th Century
English
sweatshop
“an establishment characterized by harsh working conditions and low wages, often associated with garment manufacturing.”