what does "unprofessional" mean?

On a basic level, professionalism as it applies to my job is governed by numerous rigidly defined codes of practice like an ISO quality management system, scientific convention, any number of H&S laws, EU directives &c. Beyond that, it's a relaxed enough workplace that I never really find myself thinking ito professionalism vs unprofessionalism

Also when I typed unprofessionalism just then my phone wanted to correct to "unprofessional momism"

In a service economy, the expectation of "professionalism" creeps into jobs that are not "professions." Speaking of an "unprofessional" longshoreman seems ridiculous, but someone in a far less skilled job such as a walmart cashier might (absurdly) be called "unprofessional" if he excessively discussed his personal life with customers.

Part of the bitterness of shit jobs expecting 'professionalism' lies in the way a real traditional profession (doctor, lawyer, teacher) has (perhaps imaginary these days) career progression lined up eventually resulting in a nice house and big family who surround you on your deathbed, and this is invoked every time a miserable authority figure reads out the professional standards expected of you.

That's the bitterness - the threat comes from the way certain shark-like people are able to get away with being total bullies and stay on in their position by keeping to the letter of the law (dress-code, what words to use, etc).

Another really interesting thing about professionalism is how if you turn up at a shit job suited and booted, keep your conversation strictly to work-related matters, show yourself as eager to fit in with the expected standards, etc, you will become a figure of hate/ridicule for everyone else who works there. Including the managerial caste who are pushing professionalism - so in a sense, it's not about the standards themselves exactly, so much as about having to have a super-keen sense of when and when not to fit those standards

Which personally I find nearly impossible - oh for it to be so simple as turn up looking smart and focus on the job