the compilers of the oed point out that they purely copy the description of where the word is used , rather than prescribed that it should be used . the term , mcjob , has been in usage at least 20 years , they know . it was popularised in 1991 in douglas coupland ' s novel creation x : tales for an accelerated culture as one of the margin definitions . here it was described as " a low - pay , lowest - prestige , reduced - dignity , no benefit , no - future employer in the power sector . frequently considered a satisfying job choices by people who have never held them . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.