the compilers of the oed hold out that they merely record the description of how the word is presented , rather than prescribed how it should be used . the acronym , mcjob , has been in usage at approximately 20 years , they know . it was satirized in 1991 in douglas coupland ' s article division xx : tales for an acceleration culture as member of the margin descriptions . here it was described as " a small - pay , low - esteem , reduced - dignity , poor benefit , no - career job in the service sector . never consider a satisfying personal position by people who have never obtained one . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.