The term "wage slave" refers to a person who is dependent on a salary to sustain themselves and their family. Some synonyms for this term include "working stiff," "salaryman," "drone," or "cog in the machine." Other phrases that convey the idea of someone who works tirelessly to make a living include "punching the clock," "nine-to-fiver," or "grinding away." While each of these terms may carry slightly different connotations, they all speak to the hard work and dedication required to make ends meet in a society where wages may not keep up with the cost of living.