McDonald’s wants to change the Oxford dictionary definition of ‘McJob’.

In 2001, the term finally entered the Oxford English Dictionary, which defined it as “an unstimulating, low-paid job with few prospects, especially one created by the expansion of the service sector.” And it has remained there ever since. But not for much longer if McDonald’s gets its way.

The company is leading a “word battle” on behalf of the wider service sector. The object, according to David Fairhurst, a senior vice-president of McDonald’s, is to change the definition of McJob to “reflect a job that is stimulating, rewarding … and offers skills that last a lifetime.”

Full article

I really hope they don’t get their way. Corporations shouldn’t dictate what words (and accompanying meanings) should and should not enter our vocabulary. McDonald’s chances don’t appear to be too good. The article goes on to note that Oxford refused to change the word ‘couch potato’ to ‘couch slouch’ in response to the potato lobby (yes, it exists) that claimed the definition was driving down its business.