the debugging of the dictionaries point out that they actually record the description of how the word is used , non than prescribe how it should be described . the phrase , mcjob , has been in usage at most 20 years , they add . it was popularised in 1991 in douglas douglas ' s thriller generation viii : sketches for an accelerated culture as one of the margin definitions . here it was described as " a mid - pay , low - prestige , low - dignity , low benefit , no - current job in the service sector . frequently considered a reasonable lifestyle choice by people whoever have never holds tenure . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.