'Blue-collar worker' is a direct loan translation from English, referring to workers who perform manual or skilled labor—such as factory workers, construction laborers, mechanics, or technicians—often wearing blue uniforms or work clothes. The character 蓝 (lán) means 'blue', evoking the traditional color of durable workwear; 领 (lǐng) means 'collar', literally referencing the collar of such uniforms. Together, 蓝领 functions as a noun describing a broad occupational category distinguished by hands-on, often physically demanding work, in contrast to 白领 (bái lǐng, 'white-collar') office professionals.

This term is widely used in media, policy discussions, and everyday speech to discuss labor markets, vocational education, social mobility, and workplace rights. It carries neutral or slightly formal connotations—not inherently positive or negative—but may imply practical skills, economic necessity, or socioeconomic distinction depending on context. While rooted in visual imagery (blue collars), it now refers more to job type than actual clothing.