paper-boy

Definition

Noun: A "paper-boy" is a boy or young man who delivers newspapers to homes or sells them on the street.

Usage Examples

• (A young male delivering newspapers.)
• (Note: historically gendered, but sometimes used for any young person.)
• (A specific action of delivery.)

Advanced Usage

• "Paper-boy" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who performs a routine, low-status job with dedication.
  • He felt like a paper-boy in the corporate world, just delivering memos. (Performing a menial task.)

Variants and Related Words

• Paperboy (n): a single-word variant of "paper-boy," often used interchangeably.
  • The paperboy earned extra tips during the holidays. (Same meaning as "paper-boy.")
• Paper girl (n): a girl or young woman who delivers or sells newspapers.
  • The paper girl was known for her punctuality. (Female counterpart.)
• Newspaper delivery person (n): a gender-neutral term for someone who delivers newspapers.
  • The newspaper delivery person came at dawn. (Inclusive alternative.)

Synonyms

• Newsboy: a boy who sells or delivers newspapers.
  • The newsboy shouted the headlines on the street corner. (Similar role, often focusing on street sales.)
• Carrier: a person who delivers newspapers to subscribers.
  • The carrier left the paper by the door. (Generic term for delivery.)

Related Idioms

• "Like a paper-boy": used to describe someone who performs a repetitive or humble task.
  • He goes about his chores like a paper-boy, without complaint. (Doing work with routine reliability.)

Additional Notes

• Historically, the term "paper-boy" was common in the 19th and 20th centuries when young boys were employed for newspaper delivery. Today, the role is often filled by adults or older teenagers, and gender-neutral terms like "newspaper carrier" are preferred in formal contexts.