goldbrick
UK: ˈɡəʊldbrɪk | US: ˈɡoʊldbrɪk
n. 1. A fraudulent or worthless item disguised as valuable (originally a fake gold bar).
n. 2. (Slang) A person who shirks work or responsibility; a lazy or dishonest worker.
vt. To deceive or swindle by passing off something fake as genuine.
The term emerged in the mid-19th century U.S., originally referring to bars of lead or other metals painted gold to mimic gold bars—a common scam during the Gold Rush. By the early 20th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe someone who avoids work (like a "fake" worker). The morphemes reflect the literal ("gold" as valuable, "brick" as tangible) and later ironic shift ("fake gold" → "fake effort").
The con artist tried to goldbrick tourists with counterfeit jewelry.
Don’t trust him—he’s a known goldbrick who never finishes tasks.
The so-called "antique" was just a goldbricked replica.
Managers quickly spotted the goldbrickers in the team.
Her laziness earned her the nickname "Office Goldbrick."