copyboy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “copyboy” mean?
A junior, typically male, employee in a newsroom or publishing office whose job is to run errands and carry copy (text).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A junior, typically male, employee in a newsroom or publishing office whose job is to run errands and carry copy (text).
A historical term for an entry-level, menial assistant in print media, often involving fetching items and delivering written materials between departments. By extension, it can refer to any junior, low-status assistant performing basic tasks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood and similarly archaic in both varieties. No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a bygone era of newspaper publishing, hierarchical work structures, and gendered job roles.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both BrE and AmE. May appear in historical fiction, memoirs of journalism, or discussions of media history.
Grammar
How to Use “copyboy” in a Sentence
[Subject] worked as a copyboy for [Organization].[Organization] employed him as a copyboy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “copyboy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'copyboy' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'copyboy' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'copyboy' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'copyboy' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'copyboy' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'copyboy' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Used only in historical or media studies discussions about the evolution of the journalism profession.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A historical technical term within the printing and newspaper industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “copyboy”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “copyboy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “copyboy”
- Using it to refer to a modern intern (who does digital work).
- Using it in a non-media context.
- Assuming it's a current, active job title.
- Spelling as two words: 'copy boy'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical term. The duties have either disappeared or are now part of an intern's or junior assistant's role, and the title is considered outdated and gendered.
Historically, the role was almost exclusively male, hence 'boy'. The female equivalent was often 'copygirl' or 'copy runner', but these were also rare. The term reflects the gender norms of its time.
A 'copyboy' worked specifically within a publishing or news organization and handled 'copy' (journalistic text). A 'messenger' could work for any type of company and deliver any kind of item or message.
It could be perceived as offensive or demeaning due to its connotations of low status, menial work, and its gendered nature. Using modern, neutral terms like 'junior assistant' or 'office runner' is recommended.
A junior, typically male, employee in a newsroom or publishing office whose job is to run errands and carry copy (text).
Copyboy is usually formal, historical, journalistic in register.
Copyboy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒpibɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːpibɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms. The word itself is a fixed compound noun.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boy in a 1940s newsroom frantically COPYing pages from reporters and running like a BOY on an errand.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOW STATUS IS PHYSICAL LABOUR (The copyboy's low rank is metaphorically expressed through the physical task of carrying).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'copyboy' be most accurately used?