noun
grunt
A low-ranking worker assigned hard routine duties.
The grunts on our crew haul supplies and clean equipment.
Etymology
The word for a low effortful sound became slang for someone doing hard, unglamorous work. Its use for junior workers extends the familiar military label for ordinary foot soldiers.
More examples
- As the office grunt, I sort mail and refill printers.
- The manager leaves all the heavy lifting to the grunts.
- He starts as an infantry grunt and hopes to become a sergeant.
Forms
grunt · grunts
Similar words
- laborer
- Emphasizes physical labor rather than low rank or routine duties.
- underling
- Emphasizes subordinate status, not necessarily hard or repetitive work.