Handyman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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handyman

[ˈhændiˌmæn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

professional services

A person who is skilled in a variety of trades and can perform a wide range of maintenance or repair work around the house.

Synonyms

fixer, jack-of-all-trades, maintenance worker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handyman	This term is commonly used to describe someone who is skilled at a variety of small repair jobs and maintenance tasks around the house or office. It is often used in a domestic context. We need a handyman to fix the leaky faucet and paint the fence. The handyman repaired the broken stairs.
jack-of-all-trades	This term is used to describe a person who has various skills in different fields rather than specializing in just one. It’s often a compliment but can imply that the person is not an expert in any specific area. Jeremy is a jack-of-all-trades; he can fix your computer, cook a meal, and even do some plumbing. Being a jack-of-all-trades, she managed to handle all the challenges in the startup.
fixer	This word describes someone who is capable of solving problems, especially in a professional or complex context. It often has a slightly negative connotation implying secretive or underhanded methods. He’s known as the fixer in the company, handling all the tricky situations. The movie portrays the lawyer as a fixer dealing with shady deals.
maintenance worker	This term is used in a more formal context, typically referring to someone employed by a company or institution to carry out routine maintenance tasks. It generally implies regular, ongoing work rather than one-off repairs. The maintenance worker ensures the machinery is well-lubricated and operating smoothly. The building employs several maintenance workers to keep everything in good condition.

Examples of usage

He hired a handyman to fix the leaky faucet in the kitchen.
The handyman arrived promptly and completed the job quickly.
She called a handyman to help with assembling the furniture.
The handyman was able to repair the broken door in no time.
I need to find a reliable handyman to help with some home improvements.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person, especially a man, who is skilled at fixing things or making repairs.

Synonyms

Mr. Fix-It, handyperson, repairman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handyman	A versatile worker who can perform small repairs and maintenance tasks around homes or businesses. Often used in casual or general contexts. I need to call a handyman to fix the leaky faucet and paint the wall
Mr. Fix-It	A colloquial and often affectionate term for someone who is very skilled at repairing things. Typically used in informal contexts, sometimes to refer to a friend or family member. John is our Mr Fix-It; he can fix anything from a broken chair to a malfunctioning computer
handyperson	A gender-neutral term for someone who can perform small repairs and maintenance work. It is often used in more inclusive or formal environments. The apartment complex has a handyperson available to help with minor repairs in the units
repairman	A professional who specializes in fixing specific types of equipment or appliances. Generally used when referring to a skilled tradesperson. The repairman came over to fix our dishwasher He had all the specialized tools needed for the job

Examples of usage

My dad is a real handyman around the house.
He's quite the handyman when it comes to car repairs.
The neighbors always call him when they need a handyman.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the handyman represents self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, often appearing in literature as the 'jack-of-all-trades'.
Media often portray handymen as friendly neighbors who lend a helping hand, reinforcing community spirit.

Historical Context

Historically, handymen emerged as necessary figures during the industrial age, skilled in trades as people moved into cities.
Before modern technology, communities relied heavily on handymen for maintenance, as homeowners lacked tools or expertise to manage repairs.

Economic Impact

In the gig economy, handymen have become essential providers, often taking on freelance work to meet diverse client needs.
The handyman industry contributes billions to local economies, reflecting the increasing demand for home maintenance and repair services.

Psychological Aspects

Engaging with handymen can reduce stress for homeowners, as they relieve the burden of home upkeep.
Studies show that a well-maintained home improves overall well-being, and handymen play a crucial role in creating welcoming environments.

Origin of 'handyman'

Main points about word origin

The term 'handyman' originates from the combination of 'handy', meaning skillful or useful, and 'man', referring to a person.
First used in the 19th century, the word has evolved to mean someone who can handle various tasks, not just traditional male roles.

The term 'handyman' originated in the mid-18th century, combining 'handy', meaning skilled with the hands, and 'man'. Originally used to describe a person hired to do various odd jobs or repairs around the house, the term has since evolved to encompass individuals skilled in a wide range of trades. The concept of a handyman has become increasingly popular in modern times, with many people relying on their expertise for household maintenance and repairs.