Definition

Noun: * A member of the working class: A person who belongs to the social class consisting of people who earn money through manual or industrial labor, and who do not own the means of production. The term often carries a sociological or political connotation, particularly relating to Marxist theory.

Usage

• The term prole is a shortened, informal form of "proletarian." It is primarily used in sociological, political, or historical discussions.
• It can be used neutrally to describe class membership, but it may also be used in a derogatory or patronizing way to imply a lack of education or sophistication.
• Example:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "prole drift": A sociological term describing the process by which individuals or groups adopt working-class styles, tastes, or attitudes.
• "prolefeed": A term from George Orwell's , meaning simplistic entertainment, propaganda, or news designed for and used to control the proletariat.

Variants and Related Words

• Proletarian (noun, adjective): The formal term for a member of the working class or relating to the working class. (e.g., ).
• Proletariat (noun): The working class as a whole, especially when considered as a political entity.
• Proletarianize (verb): To turn someone or a group into members of the working class.

Synonyms

• Worker
• Working-class person
• Laborer
• Plebeian (in a historical or class-contrast sense)

Antonyms

• Bourgeois
• Capitalist
• Aristocrat
• Elite

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Workers of the world, unite!: A famous political slogan associated with the international proletarian movement, directly calling for solidarity among the global working class.

Noun

1. a member of the working class (not necessarily employed)
   • workers of the world--unite!