from C&L: McDonalds Wants To Literally Redefine "McJob"

[annabanana]

http://consumerist.com/consumer/words/mcdonalds-wants-to-literally-redefine-mcjob-267309.php

Webster's dictionary defines McJob as, "a low-paying job that requires little skill and provides little opportunity for advancement," a definition that McDonalds' lobbyists are working overtime to overturn.

The company is leading a "word battle" on behalf of the wider service sector. The object, according to David Fairhurst, a senior vice-president of McDonald's, is to change the definition of McJob to "reflect a job that is stimulating, rewarding ... and offers skills that last a lifetime."

The Oxford English Dictionary, which specifically notes that McJobs are "unstimulating," claims that they track the popular usage of words, and do not respond to pressure from interest groups.

Apparently the Chamber of Commerce is behind the effort, 100% (surprise surprise)
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1628391,00.html

[Selatius]

1. McDonald's can fix that. All they have to do is let workers unionize.

Then when contract negotiations come up for better working conditions, better pay, better hours, better health care benefits, pensions, etc., McDonald's can walk the walk instead of talking a big game.

All major corporations in the service sector can also walk the walk by letting workers unionize.

[annabanana]

2. The article in Time makes it sound like the OED is "considering"

the change, pending public input. . but I couldn't find a contact point where one could "weigh in".

[Canuckistanian]

4. No way, the OED isn't giving in

The CBC Radio here in Canada did an in-depth show about this, including a representative from McDonalds and the Chief Editor of the OED.

The OED editor said that the dictionary doesn't function as a popularity contest where you can "vote" for your favorite definition of a word. It only documents the meaning of a word as the English speaking world perceives it. He was emphatic on this point.

He also said that if McDonalds didn't like the word, they should actively work to change the public's definition of the word and not try to lobby the OED.

[BlueJazz]

3. McDonalds Says :

"reflect a job that is stimulating, rewarding ... and offers skills that last a lifetime."

Stimulating= Bouncing around like a Pin-ball machine.

Rewarding= Able to buy a Comb after rent is paid.

skills that last a lifetime: Hi!....Welcome to Wal-Mart Sir!

[Deja Q]

5. McDonalds can go McFuck its McSelf.

Having worked in the fast food 'industry', they are lying. Lying outright.

Besides, I haven't had the need to flip a burger since leaving there. Knowing how to flip a piece of ground up critter really hasn't helped me in future jobs. I mean, I did not tell my prospective employer "Well, I worked at Burger Slop for 30 months and this is what I have to show for it." Um, no...

If McDonalds is suggesting people learn computer skills there... they may as well rename themselves to McBollocks.

[juno jones]

6. I lasted three hours in fast food (BK)

In those three hours I was asked to do things (like add 'whitening' compounds to keep salads 'fresh') that I already knew, from commentary from my chefs at previous jobs, were harmful. Lemon juice will do the same thing but it cost more than chems. 'Whiteners' are now illegal in many places. Supposedly 'fast' food is bullshit; bad for customer's health and ravaging to the enviroment. The last time I ate at Mickey D's (years ago) I had severe diarrhea for several days, probably from rancid fry oil. They do not pay their people enough to give a shit about the customers.

I currently have a 20-year plus restaurant 'career' as a fine dining baker and dessert cook. But it is not a 'mcjob' and I get to think for myself. And I get a free and nutritious shift meal...and a shift (alcoholic) drink, har, har, har. Mc Donald's can fuck itself. They have "mcjobs' there.... believe me and everybody else with knowledge who uses the term. Anyone who tosses burgers on an assembly line while looking at a screen with timed PROJECTIONS of how many burgers you should be selling at this time of day, throwing away the ones that didn't sell, now THAT is an effin' MCJOB, and it isn't going to help you if you decide to stay in food as a career.

And just wait until you have to pour bleach on food in a dumpster rendering it inedible, because some starving person might try to eat that discarded food. Then you have really descended the pits of hell. Mcjobs are inherently evil.

edited to clarify 'alcoholic drink' har har har.