office boy
Definition
- Noun:
- A young man employed to perform minor tasks in a business office: An "office boy" is a junior male employee, typically young, whose duties involve general support work such as delivering messages, making copies, running errands, and other routine clerical or maintenance tasks.
Usage
- The term "office boy" is used to refer to an entry-level support position. It is a specific job title or role.
- Example:
- Example:
Advanced Usage
- The role of an "office boy" is often seen as a starting point for a career within an organization, where one can learn about office operations.
- In modern contexts, the term is sometimes considered outdated or gender-specific. More inclusive or contemporary titles like "office assistant," "clerical assistant," or "mailroom clerk" are often used instead.
Variants and Related Words
- Office junior (n): A more modern, often gender-neutral term for a young person in an entry-level office support role.
- Errand boy (n): A person, typically young, employed to run errands. This term can be used more broadly outside of an office context.
- Mailroom clerk (n): An employee specifically tasked with handling incoming and outgoing mail, a common duty for an office boy.
Synonyms
- Messenger: A person who carries messages or documents.
- Gofer (informal): A person who runs errands, from "go for" (coffee, copies, etc.).
- Junior clerk: An entry-level clerical worker.
Related Phrases
- To start at the bottom: This idiom describes beginning a career in a low-level position, such as an office boy.
- Example: He started at the bottom as an office boy and now he's the regional manager.
Noun
-
a young man who is employed to do odd jobs in a business office
