Goldbrick

Goldbrick is a noun commonly used informally to describe a person who shirks responsibility, avoids work, or makes themselves appear important without contributing significantly to a task. The term can also denote an item that is not genuine gold but has been crafted to look like it. Its origins lie in the slang of the early 20th century, particularly associated with military laziness and deception.

Goldbrick meaning with examples

• Despite his lofty title and promises, Jake is just a goldbrick who spends more time chatting than actually doing his job. The team often ends up picking up his slack, leaving them frustrated and overworked while he basks in perceived authority.
• During group projects, some students turn out to be goldbricks, contributing little or nothing to the workload while taking credit for the final results. This can lead to tension among team members eager to pull their weight and achieve a collaborative success.
• In the corporate world, the term 'goldbrick' can apply to employees who manipulate their image and appear busy without accomplishing anything substantial. Their presence may look valuable, but they often impact productivity negatively and hamper team morale.
• It's easy to spot a goldbrick when they conveniently always miss deadlines or create excuses to avoid responsibilities. Such behavior can undermine the efforts of others who are genuinely committed to achieving their goals, thus diluting team effectiveness.
• The older generation often sees the current youth as goldbricks, erroneously believing that their reliance on technology makes them less industrious. However, this view ignores the new forms of productivity and creativity that modern tools and approaches can cultivate.