What is office boy? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of office boy

office boynoun
nhân viên văn phòng
/ˈɒfɪs bɔɪ//ˈɑːfɪs bɔɪ/

Where does the word office boy come from?

The term "office boy" originated in the late 19th century, during the industrialization era, as a job title for young men who worked as clerks or messengers in commercial and bureaucratic offices. The role of an office boy involved various tasks such as running errands, making deliveries, answering phones, sorting and delivering mail, and performing clerical duties like filing and data input. The title "office boy" reflected the perceived junior and subservient position of the role; it was a stepping stone for individuals who aspired to climb the ladder of office hierarchy and advance to higher-paying and more prestigious positions, such as clerk or secretary. Over time, the term has fallen out of use, as the role has been subsumed into broader categories, like administrative assistant, receptionist, or office clerk. Nevertheless, some businesses still use it to denote entry-level positions that involve clerical work and support tasks in an office setting.

Example of vocabulary office boynamespace

The company recently hired a new office boy named John. His duties include answering phones, sorting mail, and filing documents.
The office boy always greets visitors with a smile and directs them to the appropriate department.
With his efficient work ethic, the office boy has earned the trust of his supervisor and often assists with more complex tasks.
The office boy ensures that the office is stocked with essential supplies such as toner, paper, and staplers.
During busy periods, the office boy is tasked with assisting senior staff members with tasks such as setting up conference rooms and preparing meeting materials.