gofer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (sometimes mildly derogatory)
Quick answer
What does “gofer” mean?
A person whose job is to run errands and perform minor tasks, often in an office or film set.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose job is to run errands and perform minor tasks, often in an office or film set.
More broadly, a low-level assistant or intern who is given miscellaneous, often menial, tasks. The term can sometimes carry a patronizing or dismissive connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties, but is perhaps slightly more entrenched in American business/office culture.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can imply a lack of serious responsibility. In British English, 'dogsbody' is a near-synonym with similar connotations.
Frequency
Moderately common in both, but more frequent in US media depictions of office life.
Grammar
How to Use “gofer” in a Sentence
[Actor] works as a gofer for [Organization/Person].[Organization/Person] uses [Person] as a gofer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common to describe an entry-level position with many fetch-and-carry tasks.
Academic
Rare, except in sociological discussions of workplace hierarchy.
Everyday
Used informally to describe someone doing minor tasks for others.
Technical
Used in film/theatre production for specific runner roles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gofer”
- Spelling confusion with 'gopher' (the rodent).
- Using in overly formal contexts.
- Capitalising the word (unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be seen as slightly demeaning if used to describe someone directly to their face. It's safer used descriptively (e.g., 'a gofer role').
An intern may have a gofer's duties, but an internship often implies a learning component or a path to a career. 'Gofer' emphasises the menial task aspect without the developmental expectation.
It is a 20th-century informal formation from the phrase 'go for', mimicking the pronunciation of someone saying 'go for' quickly.
Very rarely and informally (e.g., 'I spent the morning gofering'). It is not standard; the noun form is overwhelmingly dominant.
A person whose job is to run errands and perform minor tasks, often in an office or film set.
Gofer is usually informal (sometimes mildly derogatory) in register.
Gofer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊfə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊfɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone who is always told to 'GO FER' (go for) coffee, copies, or lunch.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION AS BODY (with the gofer as a hand or foot, performing simple, directed movements).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'gofer' MOST appropriately used?