Houseboy: meaning, definitions and examples
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houseboy
[ ˈhaʊsˌbɔɪ ]
domestic worker
A houseboy is a male domestic servant, typically employed to perform household tasks. This term is often used in the context of a household, particularly in cultures where such roles are more common. Houseboys may assist with cleaning, cooking, and other chores.
Synonyms
domestic help, household assistant, servant
Examples of usage
- The houseboy was assigned to clean the living room.
- She hired a houseboy to manage the household chores.
- The houseboy served tea to the guests.
- He trained the houseboy to prepare traditional meals.
Translations
Translations of the word "houseboy" in other languages:
🇵🇹 moleque de casa
🇮🇳 घर का लड़का
🇩🇪 Hausjunge
🇮🇩 pembantu rumah
🇺🇦 домашній хлопець
🇵🇱 chłopak do domu
🇯🇵 ハウスボーイ
🇫🇷 garçon de maison
🇪🇸 chico de casa
🇹🇷 ev çocuğu
🇰🇷 하우스 보이
🇸🇦 صبي المنزل
🇨🇿 domácí chlapec
🇸🇰 domáci chlapec
🇨🇳 家务男孩
🇸🇮 hišni fant
🇮🇸 heimaskáli
🇰🇿 үй бала
🇬🇪 სახლში ბიჭი
🇦🇿 ev uşağı
🇲🇽 chico del hogar
Etymology
The term 'houseboy' originates from the early 19th century, primarily used in colonial contexts, reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. It combines 'house', from Old English 'hus', meaning a building for human habitation, with 'boy', a term used to denote a young male or subordinate. In many cultures, the role of a houseboy was tied to the concepts of servitude and labor, especially in households of affluent families. Over time, while the role exists in various forms, the term has also acquired a social stigma associated with colonial oppression and racial issues in some regions. In modern contexts, the use of the term can be controversial and may vary significantly based on cultural perceptions and geographical regions.