Housekeeper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งน
housekeeper
[หhaสsหkiหpษr ]
Definitions
professional
A person, typically a woman, employed to manage a household and the domestic staff.
Synonyms
cleaner, domestic worker, maid.
Examples of usage
- She worked as a housekeeper for a wealthy family in the city.
- The housekeeper was responsible for cleaning, cooking, and organizing the household.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'housekeeper' has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to someone responsible for managing a household.
- In historical contexts, housekeepers often came from noble families and played a crucial role in maintaining an estate.
- During the Victorian era, housekeepers were highly respected positions, often responsible for a staff of domestic workers.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, housekeepers are viewed as essential staff that help in managing households, highlighting the value placed on domestic work.
- In some regions, housekeepers live within the home they care for, which influences the family dynamics and relationships within the household.
- Today, the role of a housekeeper is evolving with modern amenities and technology, often incorporating cleaning services that utilize advanced tools.
Psychology
- Studies show that maintaining a clean environment can significantly reduce stress levels and improve mental health.
- Cleaning and organizing can be therapeutic for many, leading to a sense of accomplishment and control over one's environment.
- People who utilize housekeepers often report feeling more time-rich, enabling them to focus on work or leisure activities.
Literature
- In classic literature, housekeepers often serve as pivotal characters, reflecting the norms and values of domestic life in their respective eras.
- Novels like 'Jane Eyre' present housekeepers as complex characters who navigate social hierarchies and personal ambitions.
- Housekeepers symbolize order and stability in narratives, as their roles often hold the household together amidst chaos.
Origin of 'housekeeper'
The term 'housekeeper' originated in the late 14th century, combining 'house' and 'keeper'. It referred to a person responsible for managing a household and its staff. Over the years, the role of a housekeeper has evolved, adapting to modern standards of cleaning and organization. Today, housekeepers are valued for their contribution to maintaining a clean and orderly living or working environment.
See also: alehouse, hothouse, house, household, houseless, houselessness, housework, housing, outhouse, rehousing, taphouse, unhoused.