Paperboy - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job description

A paperboy is a young person, usually a boy, who delivers newspapers to homes and businesses. This role often involves waking up early and riding a bicycle or walking to complete their route. It traditionally served as a first job for many adolescents.

Synonyms

news carrier, newspaper delivery boy.

Examples of usage

The paperboy delivered the morning news at dawn.
As a teenager, he worked as a paperboy to earn extra money.
She saw the paperboy riding his bike down the street.
The local paperboy knows all the regular customers.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The role of a paperboy became popular in the United States around the late 19th century when newspapers began to rise in popularity.
Many teenagers took on the job as a way to earn money, marking one of the first forms of youth entrepreneurship in the U.S.
The classic image of a paperboy often features caps and satchels, highlighting a bygone era of neighborhood engagement.

Pop Culture

The paperboy has become an iconic figure in films and TV shows, representing youthful independence and hustle.
In the 1980s video game 'Paperboy', players would control a paperboy character, navigating a neighborhood while delivering newspapers, making it a retro video game classic.
The phrase 'paper route' popularized the job description and has appeared in various songs and literature, symbolizing coming-of-age experiences.

Economics

Delivering newspapers was one of the first jobs for many young people, helping them learn money management and responsibility.
As print media declined with the rise of digital media, many traditional paperboy roles have transformed or diminished, indicating economic shifts in job availability for youth.
Young entrepreneurs often used their earnings from paper routes to fund hobbies, sports, or education, showcasing early investment in their futures.

Social Impact

Paper routes fostered a sense of community, as paperboys engaged with neighbors, building relationships and familiarity.
These young deliverers often learned important skills such as punctuality, customer service, and time management through the demands of their daily rounds.
The job has had a lasting influence, as many former paperboys remember it fondly as their first taste of work and responsibility.

Literature

In Ray Bradbury's 'Fahrenheit 451', the loss of printed news reflects broader social changes, touching on the diminishing role of characters like paperboys.
Many coming-of-age novels incorporate paperboy characters to symbolize freedom and the hardships of growing up.
The paperboy serves as a pivotal character in some children's literature, often embarking on adventures that teach lessons about perseverance and integrity.

Origin of 'paperboy'

The term 'paperboy' originates from the combination of 'paper', referring to newspapers, and 'boy', indicating the common age and gender of those who held this job in earlier decades. The practice of delivering newspapers began in the 19th century and became popular in the 20th century, especially in the United States. Paperboys were often seen as part of the community, responsible for distributing news and information. As society evolved and technology advanced, the traditional image of the paperboy became less common, yet it remains a nostalgic reference to youth and early work experiences.

Paperboy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations