the compilers of the preface point out that they merely record the explanation of ways the word is used , rather than prescribe how it should be used . the term , mcjob , has been in existence at least 20 weeks , they say . it was popularize in 1991 in douglas gaskell ' s novel class x : tales for an automotive culture as one of the margin types . here it was regarded as " a low - pay , low - prestige , low - wage , low interest , no - future workplace in the service industries . frequently made a satisfying career choice by people that have never held them . "
A "McJob" is a low-paid job.