IT 土方（pronunciation: IT dokata）is a Japanese slang. How to say it in English?

Question

note: IT means Information Technology

Answer 1

The word "dokata" by itself is a derogatory term and is not allowed to be used on broadcast TV or radio in Japan.

It was originally used to put down construction laborers and day laborers because they had dangerous, dirty and hard jobs, compared with those of the salary man and other office workers.

However, with recent economic downfall of Japan, life time employment with a company now longer a give, and other factors, attitudes are changing regarding the construction worker, especially with more world appreciation of Japanese architecture.

Recently, workers in the IT industry in Japan, who work long hours for low wages, sometimes refer to themselves as "IT dokata" in a self deprecating manner.

So, if you wanted to convey the hard work minus the discrimination, you could say "IT peon" or "Micro-serf."

Answer 2

Hijikata

Answer 3

I'd translate it into "an overworked person programming exclusively".