odd-jobman
C1Informal, somewhat dated
Definition
Meaning
A person, usually a man, who is paid to do various small, temporary, or unskilled tasks.
A handyman who takes on miscellaneous repair or maintenance jobs, often without formal specialization in a single trade.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries a connotation of casual, non-professional work. It is primarily a noun. The female equivalent 'odd-job woman' is possible but far less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. The American equivalent is typically 'handyman' or 'odd-jobber' (less common).
Connotations
In UK English, it suggests a reliable local worker. In US English, the term may sound old-fashioned or specifically British.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in UK; very low frequency in US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] works as an odd-jobman.We need to hire an odd-jobman [for + task].He's the local odd-jobman [in + place].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Jack of all trades, master of none (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used in formal business contexts; more common in small local services or property management.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation about domestic help and small repairs.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He odd-jobs for a living.
American English
- He does odd jobs for a living.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dad is an odd-jobman.
- We called the odd-jobman to fix the fence.
- The retired odd-jobman in our village can mend almost anything.
- As a freelance odd-jobman, he managed a diverse portfolio of minor domestic repairs and gardening tasks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A man who does ODD JOBS (odd-job-man).
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN AS TOOL (a versatile, multi-purpose human tool).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'странный рабочий'. The correct conceptual equivalent is 'разнорабочий', 'мастер на все руки', or 'мужчина на подхвате'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as 'oddjobman' (should be hyphenated).
- Using for highly skilled professionals.
- Using plural 'odd-jobmans' (correct: odd-jobmen).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common American equivalent for 'odd-jobman'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is gendered ('man'), reflecting its historical usage. Modern, gender-neutral alternatives like 'handyperson' or simply 'handyman' (now often used generically) are more common.
A tradesman (e.g., plumber, electrician) has a specific skill and qualification. An odd-jobman is a generalist who handles various small, often unskilled tasks.
No, it's an informal, descriptive label, not a formal occupation found on official documents or contracts.
Linguistically, 'odd-job woman' is possible but extremely rare. In practice, the term is applied almost exclusively to men.