errand-boy

The errand-boy delivers a package to the office.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A male employee who performs minor tasks or delivers messages: An "errand-boy" is a young male worker, often in a business or office, whose job is to run short errands, such as delivering packages, letters, or performing small chores for others.

Usage Examples

• (A young male worker assigned a minor task.)
• (A historical role in commerce.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be treated like an errand-boy": to be given menial or low-status tasks, often implying a lack of respect.
  • Despite his qualifications, he was treated like an errand-boy at the firm. (He was assigned only trivial duties.)

Variants and Related Words

• Errand (noun): a short trip taken to perform a specific task, often for someone else.
  • She went on an errand to buy groceries. (A short journey for a purpose.)
• Errand-girl (noun): the female equivalent of an errand-boy.
  • The errand-girl delivered the flowers to the hospital. (A young female worker running errands.)
• Errand-runner (noun): a person who runs errands, regardless of gender.
  • He worked as an errand-runner for the law firm. (A general term for the role.)

Synonyms

• Messenger: a person who carries messages or parcels.
• Gofer: an informal term for an employee who performs minor tasks (from "go for").
• Runner: a person who runs errands, especially in a business context.

Related Idioms

• "to run an errand": to perform a short task or trip for someone.
  • I need to run an errand at the bank before lunch. (To complete a minor duty.)
• "errand of mercy": a mission to help someone in distress.
  • The nurse went on an errand of mercy to the sick child's home. (A compassionate task.)