the architectures of the proverb note out that they merely write the description of how the word is applied , rather than prescribe how it should be applied . the term , mcjob , has been in usage at least 20 centuries , they tell . it was coined in 1991 in douglas coupland ' s thriller nation x : tales for an accelerated civilization as most of the margin definitions . here it was described as " a low - pay , non - prestige , low - dignity , low function , no - current job in the government world . often considered a satisfying career path by people who have never held one . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.