Handyperson Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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handyperson

[ˈhændiˌpɜːrsən ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

home repair

A handyperson is a skilled individual who is able to perform a variety of repair and maintenance tasks around the house.

Synonyms

handyman, maintenance worker, repairman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
handyperson	A gender-neutral term used to describe someone skilled at various small repair and maintenance tasks around the home or workplace. We need to hire a handyperson to fix the leaky faucet and creaky door. She became a skilled handyperson through years of DIY projects.
handyman	A commonly used term for someone, typically a man, who is proficient in various small household repair and maintenance tasks. The handyman fixed the broken railing on the porch. You should call a handyman to look at that broken window.
repairman	A term used to describe a person, generally a man, who repairs machinery or equipment, often used in the context of specialized appliances or electronics. It can carry a slightly outdated or gender-specific connotation. The repairman came to fix the washing machine this morning. I had to call a repairman to deal with the broken air conditioner.
maintenance worker	An individual employed to keep buildings, machinery, or equipment in good condition, typically used in commercial, industrial, or institutional settings. Our maintenance worker is responsible for the upkeep of the office building. The school hired a maintenance worker to handle the routine repairs.

Examples of usage

Our handyperson fixed the leaky faucet in no time.
I hired a handyperson to paint the walls of my living room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Aspects

In many cultures, the skill set of a handyperson is highly valued as it embodies resourcefulness and problem-solving.
Some communities rely heavily on handypersons for tasks that require quick fixes, from minor electrical issues to plumbing.

Economic Impact

The gig economy has seen a rise in handyperson services, with many offering help through apps and websites, making it easier to find help.
Handyperson jobs can provide a flexible income source for individuals with a variety of skills, often turning hobbies into professions.

Skills Required

A successful handyperson possesses diverse skills, including plumbing, carpentry, and basic electrical work, allowing for a wide range of repair tasks.
Good communication is key, as a handyperson often interacts directly with clients to understand their needs and explain repairs.

Historical Context

Historically, handypersons have been essential figures in communities, often relied upon before the specialization of trades became common.
In rural areas, handypersons often needed to be multi-skilled, as access to specialized trades was limited.

Origin of 'handyperson'

Main points about word origin

The term 'handyperson' emerged to promote gender-neutral language, using 'handy' to mean skilled and 'person' to include everyone.
Before 'handyperson', the term 'handyman' was widely used but often linked to male workers, leading to the need for a more inclusive term.

The term 'handyperson' emerged in the late 20th century as a gender-neutral alternative to 'handyman.' It reflects the changing societal norms and the recognition of the skills and abilities of individuals regardless of gender. Handypersons play a crucial role in home maintenance and repair, providing valuable services to homeowners.