Gofer: meaning, definitions and examples
๐โโ๏ธ
gofer
[ หษกoสfษr ]
workplace
A person hired to do various tasks, such as running errands or fetching coffee, typically in an office setting.
Synonyms
assistant, errand boy/girl, messenger.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
gofer |
Used in informal or somewhat derogatory settings to describe someone who runs errands, typically in a workplace. This term often implies a lower status or lack of respect.
|
assistant |
Used in both professional and casual settings to describe someone who helps another person with tasks or responsibilities. This term is more respectful and suggests a support role.
|
errand boy/girl |
Used in informal or sometimes demeaning contexts to describe someone who performs small tasks or errands. It can carry a connotation of youth or inexperience.
|
messenger |
Used to describe someone whose main job is to deliver messages or packages. This can be used in both professional and casual settings, but it emphasizes the role of communication or delivery.
|
Examples of usage
- The intern was treated like a gofer, always being asked to do menial tasks for the rest of the team.
- She started as a gofer at the company, but eventually worked her way up to a management position.
Translations
Translations of the word "gofer" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ajudante
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคนเคพเคฏเค
๐ฉ๐ช Laufbursche
๐ฎ๐ฉ pembantu
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะผััะฝะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ pomocnik
๐ฏ๐ต ใไฝฟใ
๐ซ๐ท coursier
๐ช๐ธ mandadero
๐น๐ท ayakรงฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ฌ๋ถ๋ฆ๊พผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุณุงุนุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ poslรญฤek
๐ธ๐ฐ poslรญฤek
๐จ๐ณ ่ท่ ฟ
๐ธ๐ฎ pomoฤnik
๐ฎ๐ธ sendill
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบำฉะผะตะบัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแฎแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kรถmษkรงi
๐ฒ๐ฝ mandadero
Etymology
The term 'gofer' originated in the United States in the 1950s. It is a colloquial abbreviation of 'go for', reflecting the role of a person who 'goes for' things or runs errands. The word gained popularity in office environments where employees were often tasked with various errands and menial jobs.
See also: forego, forgo, go, goad, going, gone, goon, ongoing, outgoing, undergo.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,149, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.