Goldbrick vs. Soldier: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Goldbrick refers to someone who avoids work or responsibilities, while soldier denotes a person serving in the military, known for duty and discipline.
Key Differences
Goldbrick describes a person who shirks work or evades duties. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying laziness or deceit in avoiding responsibilities. A soldier, on the other hand, is an individual who serves in the military, often characterized by discipline, duty, and a willingness to undertake challenging tasks.
Goldbrick behavior is typically frowned upon in both civilian and military contexts, as it undermines productivity and morale. In military slang, "goldbricking" can refer to pretending to be busy to avoid assignments. Soldiers, in contrast, are expected to maintain high standards of performance and integrity.
The term goldbrick is rarely used in a positive light, whereas being a soldier is often seen as a noble and respectable profession. The cultural perceptions of these terms reflect broader societal values around work ethic and duty.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Someone who avoids work or responsibilities
Person serving in the military
Connotation
Negative, implies laziness
Positive, implies duty and discipline
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Context
Typically civilian workplaces
Military and defense
Behavior
Avoids effort
Commits to challenging tasks
Cultural Perception
Generally frowned upon
Respected and honored
Goldbrick and Soldier Definitions
Goldbrick
An individual who shirks responsibility.
His goldbrick attitude frustrated his teammates.
Soldier
A member of the military.
The soldier saluted smartly during the ceremony.
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Goldbrick
Someone pretending to be busy.
She goldbricks by shuffling papers without doing anything productive.
Soldier
An individual serving in an army.
The soldier was deployed overseas for a peacekeeping mission.
Goldbrick
One who evades duties.
The project stalled because of a few goldbricks.
Soldier
A disciplined and committed person.
Each soldier trained rigorously to prepare for the mission.
Goldbrick
A lazy worker.
The manager warned the goldbricks about their poor performance.
Soldier
A person dedicated to duty.
The soldier upheld the values of honor and integrity.
Goldbrick
A person, especially a soldier, who avoids assigned duties or work; a shirker.
Soldier
One who serves in an army.
Goldbrick
To shirk one's assigned duties or responsibilities.
Soldier
An enlisted person or a noncommissioned officer.
Goldbrick
To cheat; swindle.
Soldier
An active, loyal, or militant follower of an organization.
Goldbrick
Something fraudulent or nonexistent offered for sale; a swindle or con.
Soldier
A nonreproductive ant or termite that has a large head and powerful jaws.
Goldbrick
A shirker or malingerer.
Soldier
One of a group of honeybees that swarm in defense of a hive.
Goldbrick
A swindler.
Soldier
To be or serve as a soldier.
Goldbrick
To shirk or malinger.
Soldier
To make a show of working in order to escape punishment.
Goldbrick
To swindle.
Soldier
A member of a ground-based army, of any rank, but especially an enlisted member.
Goldbrick
An idle worthless person.
Soldier
An enlisted member of a military service, as distinguished from a commissioned officer.
Goldbrick
A soldier who performs his duties without proper care or effort
Soldier
A guardsman.
Goldbrick
An idle worthless person
Soldier
A member of the Salvation Army.
Goldbrick
A brick-shaped block that looks like gold but is not
Soldier
A low-ranking gangster or member of a gang, especially the mafia, who engages in physical conflict.
Goldbrick
Anything that is supposed to be valuable but turns out to be worthless
Soldier
A piece of buttered bread (or toast), cut into a long thin strip for dipping into a soft-boiled egg.
Goldbrick
Deprive of by deceit;
He swindled me out of my inheritance
She defrauded the customers who trusted her
The cashier gypped me when he gave me too little change
Soldier
A term of approbation for a young boy.
Goldbrick
Avoid (one's assigned duties);
The derelict soldier shirked his duties
Soldier
Someone who fights or toils well.
Goldbrick
A person who avoids work.
He was labeled a goldbrick for constantly dodging tasks.
Soldier
The red or cuckoo gurnard (Chelidonichthys cuculus).
Soldier
One of the asexual polymorphic forms of termites, in which the head and jaws are very large and strong. The soldiers serve to defend the nest.
Soldier
A red herring cured kipper with flesh turned red.
Soldier
(intransitive) To continue steadfast; to keep striving.
Soldier
(intransitive) To serve as a soldier.
Soldier
(intransitive) To intentionally restrict labor productivity; to work at the slowest rate that goes unpunished.
Soldier
To take a ride on (another person's horse) without permission.
Soldier
One who is engaged in military service as an officer or a private; one who serves in an army; one of an organized body of combatants.
I am a soldier and unapt to weep.
Soldier
Especially, a private in military service, as distinguished from an officer.
It were meet that any one, before he came to be a captain, should have been a soldier.
Soldier
A brave warrior; a man of military experience and skill, or a man of distinguished valor; - used by way of emphasis or distinction.
Soldier
The red or cuckoo gurnard (Trigla pini.
Soldier
One of the asexual polymorphic forms of white ants, or termites, in which the head and jaws are very large and strong. The soldiers serve to defend the nest. See Termite.
Soldier
To serve as a soldier.
Soldier
To make a pretense of doing something, or of performing any task.
It needs an opera glass to discover whether the leaders are pulling, or only soldiering.
Soldier
An enlisted man or woman who serves in an army;
The soldiers stood at attention
Soldier
A wingless sterile ant or termite having a large head and powerful jaws adapted for defending the colony
Soldier
Serve as a soldier in the military
Soldier
Someone who performs military service.
The soldier received a medal for bravery in combat.
FAQs
What is a goldbrick?
A goldbrick is someone who avoids work or responsibilities.
What are the origins of the term goldbrick?
It originates from military slang, referring to someone shirking duty.
Can a goldbrick affect team morale?
Yes, a goldbrick can negatively impact team productivity and morale.
Is calling someone a goldbrick an insult?
Yes, it implies laziness and a lack of responsibility.
Can a goldbrick be found in the military?
Yes, but such behavior is heavily frowned upon in military contexts.
What motivates soldiers?
Duty, honor, and patriotism often motivate soldiers.
What does it mean to be a soldier?
Being a soldier means serving in the military, demonstrating discipline, and commitment.
What qualities define a soldier?
Discipline, duty, teamwork, and bravery define a soldier.
Can a civilian be a goldbrick?
Yes, goldbricking is common in civilian workplaces as well.
Are goldbricks considered trustworthy?
Generally, no, as they evade responsibilities.
What kind of training do soldiers undergo?
Soldiers undergo rigorous physical and tactical training.
Do soldiers always work in combat roles?
No, soldiers can also serve in support and administrative roles.
Is being a soldier respected in society?
Yes, soldiers are often respected for their service and dedication.
How do soldiers contribute to society?
Soldiers contribute by ensuring national security and participating in humanitarian missions.
Can a goldbrick change their behavior?
Yes, with proper motivation and guidance, a goldbrick can improve.
Is it easy to identify a goldbrick?
It can be challenging, as they often appear busy without being productive.
What is the public perception of soldiers?
Soldiers are generally viewed with respect and admiration for their service.
Why is avoiding work called goldbricking?
The term implies deceptively appearing busy while avoiding actual work.
What responsibilities do soldiers have?
Soldiers are responsible for defending their country and maintaining peace.
Is goldbricking a serious issue?
Yes, it can severely disrupt productivity and team dynamics.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
