hidden work

[/ˈhɪdən wɜːrk/]
nounpl: hidden works
trabalho oculto
1. Labor or tasks that are performed but not officially recorded, compensated, or recognized in formal employment systems
Much of the household management is hidden work that goes uncompensated.
Grande parte do gerenciamento doméstico é trabalho oculto que não é remunerado.
2. Work that is deliberately concealed from authorities, often for tax evasion or regulatory avoidance purposes
The contractor engaged in hidden work to avoid paying income taxes.
O contratante realizava trabalho oculto para evitar pagar impostos sobre a renda.
3. Unpaid or undervalued labor, particularly associated with care work, domestic work, and emotional labor traditionally performed by women
Feminist economists argue that childcare represents significant hidden work in the economy.
Economistas feministas argumentam que o cuidado infantil representa trabalho oculto significativo na economia.
The concept of hidden work is particularly significant in feminist economics and labor studies. In Brazil, it encompasses both informal employment and unpaid domestic labor. The term gained prominence in discussions about economic inequality, particularly regarding women's unpaid care work. In the USA and Europe, it often refers to undeclared income and tax evasion, while in developing economies it frequently describes the informal sector. The recognition of hidden work has become increasingly important in policy discussions about social safety nets and economic justice.
NYC Slang
off-the-books work, under-the-table work, cash job
Synonyms / Sinônimos
informal workoff-the-books workundeclared workunpaid laborshadow work
Antonyms / Antônimos
formal employmentdeclared workofficial workregistered labor

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalho oculto
Most common term in Brazil for undeclared or informal work
General Brazilian
trabalho não remunerado
Specifically refers to unpaid work, often used in academic contexts
São Paulo
bico oculto
Colloquial term emphasizing informal side jobs
Portugal
trabalho não declarado
Portuguese emphasis on undeclared status rather than concealment

Related Words

informal economygig economyunpaid laborcare workdomestic workshadow economy

Related Idioms & Phrases

the second shift - unpaid work performed after formal employment
invisible labor - work that is not recognized or valued
shadow economy - the economy of hidden work
care work in the shadows - hidden domestic and caregiving labor
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →