Casual Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Casual, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Casual?

(adj) The word ‘Casual’ is used to qualify an act or event which is done or occurs by chance or accident without any pre-planning or anticipation in the normal course. Eg. Casual leave when an emergency stops him from issue in prior leave application, casual workers means workers not belonging to the normal workers hired on emergency.

History and Meaning of Casual

The term "casual" has been used for hundreds of years to describe something that is relaxed or without a specific plan. It is believed to have originated from the Latin word "casualis," meaning "by chance." Today, "casual" can be used to describe clothing, behavior or work arrangements that are informal or do not require strict adherence to established rules or dress codes.

Examples of Casual

Here are a few different ways that the term "casual" might be used in different contexts:

  • "Casual Friday" at an office, where employees are allowed to dress down and wear more relaxed clothing than they would during the rest of the week.
  • A "casual encounter" between two people who have just met and do not plan to see each other again.
  • A "casual restaurant" that serves simple, inexpensive food in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • A "casual worker" who is employed on an as-needed basis, without a formal contract or long-term commitment.

Legal Terms Similar to Casual

There are a number of legal terms that are similar to "casual" in their meaning or usage:

  • "Casual employee" - an employee who is not hired on a permanent or long-term basis, and may not be entitled to the same benefits or protections as a full-time employee.
  • "Casual labour" - work that is done on an intermittent or as-needed basis, typically without a formal contract or agreement.
  • "Casual contract" - a contract that is not legally binding, such as a social agreement or informal understanding between parties.