gofer
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of gofer
1965–70; respelling of go for (verb phrase), with -er representing both vowel reduction in for and -er 1
Explanation
A gofer is someone whose job involves running various errands. A gofer in an office might deliver messages and fetch coffee, among other tasks. If you work as a gofer on a movie set, your job might include delivering updated script pages to actors, buying crew members lunch, or tracking down small props or costume parts. The word describes anyone whose job is as a "guy (or gal) Friday," basically doing any little task that needs to be done. The word was coined in the 1950s, from the sense of "go for," and echoing the word gopher.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He entered show business at age 16 as a TV mailroom gofer.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2023
Nauta frequently served as a kind of gofer, fetching any items the president might need throughout the day and tidying up the room, the former staffer said.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 13, 2022
Jimmy, of course, insists on bringing Chuck everything he needs despite Chuck reminding Jimmy that he has the means to hire a gofer.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2022
A kind teacher told him about a gofer gig at the local repertory theater and boom, he was home.
From New York Times ● Jan. 21, 2022
He tried to keep himself calm, but by the time a gofer commed him and squirted directions to the main ballroom, he was a wreck.
From Super Man and the Bug Out by Cory Doctorow
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
