jobsworth

"jobsworth" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a person who upholds trivial rules unnecessarily and obstructively in order to exercise their (typically minor) authority. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

"jobsworth" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning a person who upholds trivial rules unnecessarily and obstructively in order to exercise their (typically minor) authority. It is mainly heard in British English (and Irish English). A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a person who upholds trivial rules unnecessarily and obstructively in order to exercise their (typically minor) authority" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "jobsworth" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting.