pink slip

USAGE SUMMARY

"pink slip" is correct and usable in written English.
It's a term that means a notice of termination of employment. For example: After his annual review, Bob received a pink slip from his supervisor informing him that he had been laid off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Another pink slip.

The New York Times - Sports

I have the pink slip.

The New Yorker

His pink slip arrived in April 2009.

The New York Times

"Give me a pink slip," he said.

The New Yorker

We looked at the pink slip again.

The Guardian - Travel

They handed me my pink slip.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Pink slips all around.

The New York Times

Perhaps with pink slips.

The Washington Post

Pink slips from the city.

The New York Times

Pink slips were sent out Friday.

The New York Times

Almost 8,000 workers got pink slips.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pink slip" in writing, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to termination of employment versus vehicle ownership.

Common error

Avoid using "pink slip" when describing a job loss resulting from a personal conflict or resignation; instead, reserve it for formal termination notifications. Also, the term is more common to mean 'notice of termination', not the physical color of the paper.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pink slip" is as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the object of a verb (e.g., received a "pink slip") or as a noun modifier. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use in contexts related to job termination and vehicle ownership.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pink slip" primarily functions as a noun phrase referring to a notice of job termination, though it can also denote a vehicle title. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its formality leans towards neutral to informal. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's prevalent in news and media contexts. For formal settings, alternatives like "notice of termination" or "job termination" may be more suitable. Understanding the context is crucial to avoid misinterpretations. Although "pink slip" can be found in some professional contexts, it's less frequent than in news and media. The frequency of this expression is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notice of termination

Focuses on the formal aspect of ending employment.

termination letter

Highlights the written communication aspect.

layoff notice

Emphasizes the layoff as the cause of job loss.

dismissal notice

Refers to the act of being dismissed from a job.

job termination

A more formal way to describe the end of employment.

being fired

A direct and common way to describe losing a job.

getting sacked

An informal term for being fired.

being let go

A euphemism for being fired or laid off.

redundancy notice

Focuses on redundancy as the reason for termination, common in British English.

title to the vehicle

Refers to the document proving ownership of a vehicle.

FAQs

What does "pink slip" mean in the context of employment?

In the context of employment, a "pink slip" refers to a notice of termination, informing an employee that they are being laid off or fired.

Can "pink slip" have other meanings besides job termination?

Yes, though less commonly, "pink slip" can also refer to the title for an automobile or an automobile roadworthiness inspection certificate.

What are some alternative phrases for "pink slip" when referring to job loss?

You can use alternatives like "notice of termination", "layoff notice", or "dismissal notice" to describe the same situation.

Is it appropriate to use "pink slip" in formal business writing?

While "pink slip" is widely understood, it's often considered informal. For formal business writing, using phrases like "notice of termination" or "job termination" is more appropriate.