gold brick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, historical (for the verb/noun deceit sense). The literal sense is neutral.
Quick answer
What does “gold brick” mean?
A literal brick of gold bullion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A literal brick of gold bullion; by extension, a fraudulent or worthless item made to appear valuable, or a person who shirks responsibility or work.
Primarily used as a noun for a literal gold bar. As a verb (to goldbrick) and noun, it denotes something/someone fraudulent, lazy, or of poor quality that deceives by appearing genuine or hardworking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'to goldbrick' (to shirk) and its related noun for a lazy person are more established in American English. British English is more likely to use the term only in its literal sense or the 'fraudulent item' sense.
Connotations
In AmE, calling someone a 'goldbrick' strongly implies laziness and deception. In BrE, the term is less common and may not be immediately understood in its figurative sense.
Frequency
The figurative senses are rare in modern BrE. In AmE, while not extremely common, they are recognized, especially in older generations or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gold brick” in a Sentence
He goldbricked his way through the project (Verb + through)They sold him a gold brick. (Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object)He's a total goldbrick. (Copula + Noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gold brick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's always trying to goldbrick when the supervisor isn't looking.
- Stop goldbricking and get on with your work!
American English
- The new private was caught goldbricking on guard duty.
- You can't goldbrick your way through this contract.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as adjective)
American English
- (Not standard as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for a fraudulent investment or a lazy employee. 'The startup turned out to be a gold brick.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical texts about mining or financial fraud.
Everyday
Mostly literal. Figurative use is declining but understood as 'lazy person' or 'scam'.
Technical
In metallurgy or finance, refers literally to a standard bar of gold bullion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gold brick”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gold brick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gold brick”
- Writing it as one word ('goldbrick') when used as a noun for the literal object (should be two words). The verb and noun for a lazy person are often one word: 'goldbrick'.
- Using the figurative sense in formal UK English where it may not be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. The literal object is typically two words: 'gold brick'. The verb ('to goldbrick') and the noun for a lazy person ('a goldbrick') are often written as one word.
Yes, especially in American English. 'To goldbrick' means to shirk duties or avoid work by pretending to be busy.
The literal meaning is. The figurative meanings (lazy person, fraud) are understood but are quite rare and feel somewhat archaic or American.
It originated in late 19th/early 20th century US military slang. It derived from the earlier fraud meaning, implying a soldier who was 'fake valuable' like a counterfeit gold brick.
A literal brick of gold bullion.
Gold brick is usually informal, historical (for the verb/noun deceit sense). the literal sense is neutral. in register.
Gold brick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊld ˌbrɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊld ˌbrɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sell someone a gold brick (to deceive)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a brick that's only gold on the outside – it looks valuable but is worthless inside, just like a lazy worker who looks busy.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPEARANCE IS DECEPTIVE / WORK IS A VALUABLE COMMODITY (A goldbricker is a counterfeit worker).
Practice
Quiz
In American informal usage, what does it mean to call a co-worker a 'goldbrick'?