cleaning lady

[ˈkliːnɪŋ ˈleɪdi]
nounfemininepl: cleaning ladies
mulher de limpeza
1. A woman employed to clean houses, offices, or other buildings
The cleaning lady comes every Wednesday to tidy up the office.
A mulher de limpeza vem toda quarta-feira para organizar o escritório.
2. A female domestic worker whose primary responsibility is maintaining cleanliness
My cleaning lady has been working for our family for over five years.
A minha mulher de limpeza trabalha para a minha família há mais de cinco anos.
In Brazil, employing a cleaning lady (mulher de limpeza or faxineira) is common among middle and upper-class families. The term 'diarista' is frequently used to refer to a woman who works by the day. This profession is an important part of Brazilian domestic labor, though workers often face labor rights challenges. In the USA, the term 'cleaning lady' has become somewhat dated, with 'house cleaner' or 'cleaning service' being more modern alternatives.
NYC Slang
cleaning girl (dated) or simply 'cleaner'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
housekeepercleaning womandomestic workerhousemaidcleaner

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mulher de limpeza
Most common and neutral term used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
diarista
Often used when the worker comes on specific days; literally 'daily worker'
São Paulo
faxineira
Common term in urban areas, sometimes with a more informal connotation
Portugal
mulher de limpeza / criada
Portuguese uses similar terms; 'criada' is more traditional/formal

Related Words

cleaning servicehousekeepingjanitorial staffdomestic helpmaid

Related Idioms & Phrases

cleaning lady on a tight budget
like a cleaning lady (references someone who cleans up after others figuratively)
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