noun / verb
scab
A worker who works during a strike or replaces striking workers.
The striking workers call anyone who takes their jobs a scab.
Etymology
Scab was used as an insult before its labor sense developed. Strikers applied the contemptuous label to workers who continued working or took their places.
More examples
- The company hires scabs to keep the factory running.
- She refuses to scab while her coworkers are on strike.
- He was accused of scabbing after he crossed the picket line.
Forms
scab · scabs · scabbed · scabbing
Similar words
- strikebreaker
- Names the same worker without the openly insulting tone.