MY PRO HANDYMAN CAN

Why in the 21st Century do we still generally use the word handyman to convey the idea of someone who does specific kinds of tasks and projects?

It occurs to me in adding this new page that is focused on all aspects we would consider “handyman work” that there may be an important issue to address first. “When is a handyman not a handyman? The answer is of course quite evident it would seem, as a handyman is not a handyman  female, she in fact a handywoman. Or, we could refer to both sexes as a handyperson. But if I post other than handyman you would likely not read this post as it is less likely to be recognized. Is this a 20th century carry over with gender bias? Is this socially correct? Is it not big deal?

So I looked it up in several dictionaries at Onelook.com. Most definitions referred to only men doing the job. A couple of others used the term handyman only but included the idea that it might be a woman doing that tasks at hand. Merriam Websters and Wikipedia were the most contemporary I thought and so I share this with you.

Merriam Websters Dictionary says: Main Entry: handy·man Pronunciation: \-dē-ˌman\ – Function: noun – Date: 1872

1 : a person who does odd jobs

2 : one competent in a variety of small skills or inventive or ingenious in repair or maintenance work —called also handyperson

Wikipedia says:

A handyperson (a handyman or handywoman) is a person competent in a variety of trade skills, repair, and maintenance work. The term often describes someone who is paid for the application of these skills around the home. Tasks for which a handyperson may be employed range from minor to major, and may include such jobs as painting, drywall repair, remodeling, minor plumbing work, minor electrical work, and furniture assembly.

So it seem that this Wikipedia post is indicating some direction towards a broader acceptance of women as well as men in this field of work. That said, I tested posting handywoman and handyperson and the search engine is not very responsive. So, reluctantly, in order for me reach people interested in handyman, home improvement and DIY help project information, I need to use the word handyman primarily.

If this tweeks your interest what’s your hit?  It seems like a small thing, perhaps with little relevance as the world turns right now, but it was not long ago that many professions were closed to women and language reflected that.