bootblack

Thân thiện

A bootblack polishes a customer's leather shoes on a city street.

Definition

Noun: A person whose job is to clean, polish, and shine shoes and boots, typically for a fee.

Usage

The term "bootblack" specifically refers to a person who performs the service of shoe polishing. It is a somewhat dated or historical term for this occupation. - The hotel lobby had a bootblack who offered quick shines. - In the early 20th century, a bootblack could be found on many city street corners.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used figuratively to describe someone who performs humble or servile work.
  • He started his career as a bootblack before building his business empire.

Variants and Related Words

• Shoeshiner (n): A more modern and common synonym for "bootblack."
• Shoe-shine boy (n): A term, now often considered dated, specifically for a young male bootblack.

Synonyms

• Shoeshiner
• Shoe polisher

Related Idioms

• Start from the bottom: While not containing the word "bootblack," this idiom conceptually relates to beginning with a very humble job, such as that of a bootblack.
  • He started from the bottom, working as a bootblack, and now runs the company.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a person who polishes shoes and boots

Từ đồng nghĩa

• shoeblack