The Etymology and Origin of the Expression 'Firing'

The term 'firing' has a rich history and is often attributed to a variety of origins. In this article, we will explore the etymology and origin of the phrase 'firing,' and why it has come to mean job termination in modern times.

Introduction to the Term 'Firing'

Initially, the term 'firing' was used in a more literal sense, often associated with the act of launching a cannon or discharging a weapon. Over time, however, its meaning has evolved to encompass a more figurative context, particularly in relation to employment.

Industrial Revolution and the Workplace

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the term began to be used more broadly in the workplace to describe the act of dismissing an employee. This change in meaning reflects the rapid industrialization of the era, where machines and technological advancements began to overshadow human labor. The idea is that just as a cannonball is forcefully sent away from a cannon, an employee is forcibly dismissed from their position.

Analogical Meaning

The phrase reflects a more informal and somewhat dramatic way of describing job loss, emphasizing the abruptness and finality of the action. This analogy to an employee being a bullet in a handgun is particularly apt. Once you are fired, you are of no use to your employer any longer, just as a bullet is of no use to the owner of a handgun once it has left the barrel. The employer keeps you 'in their hold of ammunition' until you are no longer potentially beneficial to them.

Etymological Context

A site dedicated to etymology provides an excellent resource for understanding the origins of words and phrases. According to such sources, the phrase most likely comes from the idea of being expelled like a bullet from a gun. The more formal word 'discharged' has been used in both contexts, suggesting a continuity in the meaning of the term.

Myth Debunking

It is important to note that some fanciful origin stories about employers firing people by burning their residences or desk tools have been debunked. These stories are not supported by historical evidence and are best disregarded. The origin of the term 'firing' is rooted in the literal sense of expelling something, which was later extended to the context of employment.

Understanding the origin and evolution of the term 'firing' can provide a deeper insight into the language we use to describe changes in employment. It is a reflection of the transition from a more manual labor-based economy to a more industrial and technological one, where the metaphorical 'firing' of employees became a common term in the workforce.

For more information on such terms and their origins, you can refer to a reputable etymological resource like Urban Dictionary or The Online Etymology Dictionary. These sites provide detailed explanations and reliable information on the evolution of language and the meanings behind words and phrases.