Phrase guide

lobster shift

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

a work shift that covers late evening and early morning hours.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • My boss stuck me on the lobster shift: I have to work from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Maybe from British journalism, a lob being English slang for a yokel, and the "lobster shift" being the overnight shift usually given to young inexperienced journalists, to keep them out of the daily mainstream stories. American Heritage 1993

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: нощна смяна (noštna smjana) — a work shift that covers late evening and early morning hours
  • Portuguese: pescoção — a work shift that covers late evening and early morning hours