pink slip

Definition

A notice of termination of employment.

Etymology

From pink + slip (“piece of paper”), referring to the colour of the paper, in some cases as it was in past, and not necessarily present, practice. * (automobile title): Most likely from California, where the title is printed on a smaller index-card sized piece of pink paper; in other states the title is typically a full-size 8 1/2" x 11" sheet, usually printed on blue or blue-green paper with borders, similar to a stock certificate.

Example Sentences

• "Pink slips are being handed out faster in corporate America than you can say, “Recession? What recession?”"
• "From 2002 to 2004, many individuals received pink slips as a result of a slow economy."
• "2008, Warren Richard Plunkett, Raymond F. Attner, Gemmy S. Allen, Management: Meeting and Exceeding Customer Expectations, Thomson, 9th Edition, page 400, Oracle chose a weekend in which to notify PeopleSoft employees of their termination: the company sent them pink slips via express mail."