- Dictionary
- Word comparison: blue-collar vs. white-collar
blue-collar vs. white-collar
blue collar vs. white collar: What’s the difference?
The term blue-collar is generally used in the context of jobs that involve manual labor—mechanics and warehouse workers are considered blue-collar workers, for example. In contrast, white-collar is generally used in the context of office work. The term blue-collar comes from the association of such workers with uniforms or special work clothing, in contrast to the business attire worn by white-collar workers.
adjective
of or relating to wage-earning workers who wear work clothes or other specialized clothing on the job, as mechanics, longshoremen, and miners.
noun
a blue-collar worker.
adjective
belonging or pertaining to the ranks of office and professional workers whose jobs generally do not involve manual labor or the wearing of a uniform or work clothes.
noun
a white-collar worker.
