fast worker
C1Informal, colloquial; slightly idiomatic.
Definition
Meaning
A person who accomplishes tasks or progresses in a relationship with unusual speed or efficiency.
A metaphorical compound noun primarily used to describe: 1. Someone who completes tasks significantly more quickly than average. 2. Someone who attempts to, or succeeds in, initiating a romantic or sexual relationship rapidly and directly, often implying a lack of subtlety or courtship.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase is polysemous, with its context heavily determining its primary interpretation. In professional contexts, it's generally positive. In social/romantic contexts, it is often used humorously, teasingly, or pejoratively, suggesting pushiness or opportunism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning and usage are almost identical. Potential minor difference: In UK English, the romantic sense might be slightly more prevalent in colloquial use.
Connotations
Generally consistent. Both carry the dual connotations of efficiency (positive) and a lack of patience/romance (often negative).
Frequency
More frequent in spoken English than formal writing in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] be a fast worker.[Subject] be a fast worker at/in [noun/gerund].They call [object] a fast worker.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/she/they] don't/don't hang/hang about.”
- “[He/she/they] waste no time.”
- “[He/she/they] are quick on the draw.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Positive. 'We need a fast worker on this urgent project.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in informal discussion about research productivity.
Everyday
Very common, often with humorous/teasing intent regarding relationships. 'He asked her out after five minutes? He's a fast worker.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb phrase.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb phrase.
adverb
British English
- The team worked fast to meet the deadline.
American English
- She works fast, so she's often done early.
adjective
British English
- He's known for being a fast-working analyst.
American English
- She has a fast-working approach to problem-solving.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is a fast worker. She finishes her lunch quickly.
- My new colleague is a fast worker; she completed the report in one day.
- Jake's reputation as a fast worker is double-edged: praised for his efficiency in projects but occasionally criticised for his haste in forming business alliances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'fast food' worker vs. a 'fast worker' – one serves quickly, the other *acts* quickly in work or romance.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS EFFICIENCY/SUCCESS; RELATIONSHIP PROGRESS IS A TASK TO BE COMPLETED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'быстрый рабочий' for the romantic sense; this is incorrect and confusing.
- For the professional sense, 'работяга' or 'работник, который быстро справляется' is more accurate than a direct word-for-word translation.
- The romantic sense is closer to 'проворный' or 'не теряющий времени' in a specific, often ironic, context.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in a formal written report without clarifying the intended meaning (e.g., professional vs. personal).
- Misapplying the romantic sense in a context where it could cause offence.
- Confusing it with 'hard worker' (which implies effort, not speed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fast worker' MOST likely to have a negative or teasing connotation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It depends entirely on context. In a professional setting regarding task completion, it is usually positive. In a social/romantic context, it is often used humorously or critically to imply someone is moving too quickly or without proper courtship.
It is almost exclusively used for people. For machines or processes, terms like 'fast-acting', 'high-speed', or 'efficient' are more natural.
A 'hard worker' emphasizes consistent effort, diligence, and perhaps long hours. A 'fast worker' emphasizes speed and efficiency in completing tasks, which may or may not involve sustained effort.
It is informal and colloquial. It is common in spoken English and informal writing but would be rare in highly formal documents, where terms like 'efficient worker' or 'productive individual' might be preferred.