the compilers of the oed point out that they merely record the description of how the thing is played , rather than prescribe how it should be utilized . the term , mcjob , has been in usage at least 20 years , they say . it was popularised in 1991 in douglas coupland ' s novel gen x : tunes for an accelerated culture as one of the margin defining . here it was characterized as " a low - money , low - prestige , zero - wage , low salary , no - future job in the service sector . frequently considered a satisfying career choice by men who have formerly held anything . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.