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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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A word that means "non-work related" pursuits?
Andyman
1
2008/08/11 - 7:46am

Hi there! I'm a part-time worker at my job, but sometimes I will go to my office to use my computer to work on other things.

I'm always annoyed that there isn't a better way to describe this stuff than to say, "I'm working on non-work related things."

I know about "extra-curricular". Technically, a second definition of that includes work outside of your profession, but every time you use that word people say, "Doesn't that mean outside of *school* pursuits?" And, thus, I still know no easy way to say that you are working on things not related to your profession.

Do YOU know one? Thanks!

Martha Barnette
San Diego, CA
820 Posts
(Offline)
2
2008/08/12 - 8:07am

Andyman, you might be interested in the discussions here on the forum about the term "g-job."

OTOH, I'm not sure that's exactly the word you want. Anyone? Anyone?

Guest
3
2008/08/13 - 6:51pm

Friends and I have taken Oscar Wilde's “Bunburying” and used it [a little differently] in a manner similar to what you're looking for. Originally, of course, Wilde used it to describe his character Algernon's excuse to leave town on a whim on the grounds that he was caring for a [imaginary] sick friend. I like using it because it not only gets across that your doing something you're not supposed to, but also includes built-in justification for your acts. So the next time you're doing something inappropriate for work while at work, you can just explain that you're Bunburying.

Andyman
4
2008/08/13 - 8:27pm

Hey! I like "g-job", and I especially like the idea of using a sort of funny, tongue-in-cheek word like Gmlile's idea, "bunburying". Although I must confess, as much as I enjoy word-play, it'd be best if there were a word that wouldn't require a lengthy explanation about government jobs or, even better, trying to describe Oscar Wilde to passersby at my office desk. 🙂

Anyone else have an idea? If there isn't one...what do we do?!!

Anyone have ideas for a new word?

Martha Barnette
San Diego, CA
820 Posts
(Offline)
5
2008/08/14 - 10:51am

Heh. I do like "Bunburying." Sounds official enough that you can almost get away with it. (Kind of like perendinating.) 🙂

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