handyman
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person, typically a man, who is skilled at a wide range of small, practical repair and maintenance tasks, often for homes or offices. This person is not necessarily a licensed specialist in any single trade but is competent in performing various minor fixes and improvements.
Usage
The word "handyman" is used to refer to someone who is hired or is personally capable of handling diverse, small-scale jobs. It emphasizes versatility and practical skill over formal, specialized training. - It is commonly used in domestic or small business contexts. - While traditionally gendered, modern usage increasingly accepts it as a gender-neutral term for a person with these skills, though alternatives like "handyperson" are also used.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Jack-of-all-trades": This is a common synonym and descriptive phrase for a handyman, highlighting a broad range of skills. It is often part of the fuller saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none," which can imply a lack of deep specialization.
- "Mr. Fix-It": An informal, sometimes affectionate term for a handyman, often used for someone who habitually repairs things.
Variants and Related Words
- Handyperson (noun): A gender-neutral alternative to "handyman."
- Handywoman (noun): A less common, gendered variant.
- Maintenance man (noun): A person employed to maintain a building or equipment, often with a similar range of duties.
- Odd-job man (noun): A person who does various small, miscellaneous tasks.
Synonyms
- Fixer
- Repairer
- Maintenance worker
- Odd-jobber
Related Phrases
- Do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiast: While a handyman is often hired, a DIY enthusiast does such tasks themselves for their own home.
- General contractor: A professional who manages large construction projects and may coordinate specialized trades. A handyman typically handles smaller, individual jobs that don't require a contractor's license.
Noun
- a man skilled in various odd jobs and other small tasks