ca'canny

ca'canny

A worker practices ca'canny by slowing down his assembly line tasks.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A deliberate slowdown in work: "ca'canny" refers to a policy or practice of working slowly and deliberately, often as a form of industrial action or protest by employees. It is a tactic used by workers to reduce productivity without formally striking.

  2. Adjective:

    • Relating to slow work: "ca'canny" describes actions or policies that involve working at a deliberately slow pace.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The union organized a ca'canny to protest the new safety regulations. (A deliberate slowdown in work activity.)
    • Management was frustrated by the ca'canny among the factory workers. (The practice of slow work as a protest.)

  • Adjective:

    • The workers adopted a ca'canny approach after the wage cut. (A policy of slow work.)
    • The ca'canny strike lasted for two weeks before negotiations began. (A type of strike involving slow work.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to engage in ca'canny": to participate in a deliberate work slowdown.

    • The dockworkers engaged in ca'canny to demand better conditions. (They worked slowly on purpose to apply pressure.)

  • "ca'canny strike": a specific type of industrial action where workers perform their duties at a reduced pace.

    • The ca'canny strike was more effective than a full walkout. (The slowdown achieved the union's goals without a complete stoppage.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Canny (adj): shrewd, careful, or cautious (not directly related to the slowdown meaning).
    • He is a canny negotiator. (He is clever and careful in business.)
Synonyms
  • Go-slow: a deliberate reduction in work pace by employees.
  • Work-to-rule: a form of industrial action where workers strictly follow all rules and procedures, often slowing down productivity.
  • Slowdown: a general term for a reduction in work speed.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly: "ca'canny" is not used as a verb phrase in standard English.
Related Idioms

  • Drag one's feet: to act slowly or reluctantly.

    • The workers dragged their feet on the new project. (They worked slowly as a form of protest.)

  • Play for time: to act slowly to delay an event or decision.

    • The union was playing for time by calling a ca'canny. (They deliberately delayed to gain an advantage.)