blackleg: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often derogatory; used primarily in trade union and industrial relations contexts.
Quick answer
What does “blackleg” mean?
A person who refuses to join a strike or who works when their fellow workers are on strike.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who refuses to join a strike or who works when their fellow workers are on strike; a strikebreaker.
Can also refer to a swindler, especially in gambling or betting contexts, or historically to certain animal diseases (e.g., a fatal bacterial disease in cattle and sheep).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is strongly associated with UK industrial history, especially coal mining. In US English, 'scab' is the more common and potent equivalent for a strikebreaker.
Connotations
In the UK, it evokes historical class conflict and union struggles. In the US, it is understood but sounds somewhat dated or British.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, though still low-frequency overall. Rare in contemporary US English outside historical or comparative discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “blackleg” in a Sentence
[worker/union] branded X a blackleg[management] brought in blacklegsto blackleg (verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blackleg” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was ostracised for choosing to blackleg during the national strike.
- The union warned members not to blackleg.
American English
- To blackleg is considered a profound act of betrayal in union culture. (Note: Verb use is rare in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use. Example: N/A)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use. Example: N/A)
adjective
British English
- The company was accused of using blackleg labour to keep the factory running.
- A blackleg union was set up to undermine the strike.
American English
- Blackleg tactics were employed to break the strike. (Note: Adjective use is understood but rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in discussions of labor disputes and industrial action.
Academic
Found in historical, sociological, or industrial relations texts.
Everyday
Rare; would be used specifically when discussing strikes.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of historical labor studies or veterinary medicine (for the animal disease).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blackleg”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blackleg”
- Using it as a general insult outside of labor contexts.
- Confusing it with 'blackguard' (a different archaic term for a scoundrel).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is low-frequency and mostly used in specific discussions about historical or ongoing labor strikes, particularly in the UK.
Both mean 'strikebreaker'. 'Blackleg' is more common in British English, while 'scab' is more common and considered more offensive in American English.
Yes, though less common. It means 'to act as a strikebreaker' (e.g., 'He chose to blackleg'). This usage is chiefly British.
Yes, but they are archaic or highly specialized. It historically meant a swindler (especially in betting) and is a technical term for a disease in cattle and sheep.
A person who refuses to join a strike or who works when their fellow workers are on strike.
Blackleg is usually informal, often derogatory; used primarily in trade union and industrial relations contexts. in register.
Blackleg: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblaklɛɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblækˌlɛɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn blackleg”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a worker with a LEG that turns BLACK from crossing the symbolic picket line, betraying their colleagues.
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS A PHYSICAL DEFECT/MARK (the 'black' leg signifies moral stain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'blackleg' primarily used?