copy typist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “copy typist” mean?
A person whose job is to type text exactly as it is written on a document.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose job is to type text exactly as it is written on a document.
An office worker who performs typed transcription from handwritten, printed, or typed source material. The role is largely historical, having been made obsolete by digital word processing and widespread literacy in keyboarding skills.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is/was used in both varieties, but the role has disappeared in both cultures. 'Typist' alone was more common in AmE for general typing jobs.
Connotations
In both, it connotes a mid-20th century office environment. May carry slight connotations of a repetitive, low-autonomy position.
Frequency
Very low frequency in modern usage, primarily found in historical or descriptive contexts. Possibly slightly higher historical frequency in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “copy typist” in a Sentence
[Person] worked as a copy typist for [Company].The firm hired a copy typist to transcribe the manuscripts.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copy typist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form derived from 'copy typist']
American English
- [No standard verb form derived from 'copy typist']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'copy typist']
American English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'copy typist']
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form derived from 'copy typist']
American English
- [No standard adjective form derived from 'copy typist']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historical HR term for a specific clerical grade.
Academic
Used in historical studies of work, gender, or office technology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in contemporary everyday conversation.
Technical
Obsolete technical term in office administration and secretarial studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “copy typist”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “copy typist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copy typist”
- Using it to describe a modern data entry clerk or copywriter.
- Spelling as 'copy-typist' (hyphenated variant is less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the role is largely obsolete due to computers, digital documents, and the expectation that most professionals type their own work.
A copy typist specifically performed transcription typing. A secretary's role was broader, involving administration, communication, and often more skilled tasks like shorthand and composing correspondence.
It would be historically inaccurate and sound odd. Terms like 'data entry clerk' or simply 'typing this up' are more appropriate for modern contexts.
The 'copy' refers to the source document they are copying or transcribing from, not to making duplicates (though that was often part of the job using carbon paper).
A person whose job is to type text exactly as it is written on a document.
Copy typist is usually formal, technical, historical in register.
Copy typist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒpi ˌtaɪpɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːpi ˌtaɪpɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of making a 'carbon COPY' on a typewriter—a 'copy typist' was the person who did that.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not strongly applicable for this concrete, historical job title.]
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a copy typist?