gofer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gofer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who runs errands or does menial tasks for someone else, often in a workplace setting. Example: "As a gofer, I was responsible for fetching coffee and handling various tasks for the executives in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the figure in the background handing them to him is no gofer: he is Gerhard Aigner, UEFA's German chief executive.

The Economist

Like many high-school girls in Japan, she becomes the gofer for the baseball team's male coach.

The Economist

Mr McNally used to work for Philip Morris, a tobacco company, where one of his jobs was to act as gofer for the late James Hunt, F1 world champion in 1976, who drove for a team that was sponsored by a Philip Morris brand.

The Economist

Richard Bean's new script, One Man, Two Guvnors, relocated the action from Venice to Brighton on England's southern coast and featured James Corden (an original cast member of Alan Bennett's The History Boys who had since become a popular television actor) as the overrun gofer of divided loyalties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gibson learned about radio while working as a gofer for deejay Al Benson in Chicago.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With a love of cinema, he worked as a projectionist during summer holidays, before getting his first job in the film industry in 1932 as an unpaid gofer for directors such as Michael Powell at Wembley Studios on "quota quickies" – films made to ensure a minimum number of British productions were seen by audiences.

Independent

The poet wrote of him: "Caled oedd fel clwydi og / A mwyn fel gofer mawnog".

Independent

During the trial, held at the Old Bailey in London, he said he had struck up a friendship with fellow Muslim student Ruslan Mamedov in 2007, who worked as a "gofer" for the billionaire sons of an Azerbaijani minister.

Independent

His friends from youth became engineers; had he stayed, he said, he probably would've been a gofer in the petroleum business.

The New Yorker

The crackerjack cast is led by James Corden ("Gavin and Stacey"), a modern-day Oliver Hardy, as a tubby Harlequin in a checkered suit who takes on simultaneous gofer jobs for two bosses.

The New Yorker

Zwirner went to work for him as a gofer and A. & R. man.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gofer" when you want to describe someone who performs various menial tasks or errands, particularly in a professional setting. The term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of importance or authority in the role.

Common error

Avoid using "gofer" excessively, as it can sound repetitive or belittling. Instead, vary your language by using more descriptive terms like "errand runner" or "assistant" depending on the specific tasks being performed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gofer" is as a noun, referring to a person who runs errands or performs menial tasks. It can also function attributively, as in "gofer jobs". Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gofer" refers to someone who runs errands or does menial tasks, typically in a workplace. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. While common in news and media, it's generally considered informal and can sometimes carry a negative connotation. For alternatives, consider "errand runner", "assistant", or "junior employee" depending on the context. Avoid overusing the term and be mindful of the potential negative implications when describing someone's role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Errand runner

Focuses specifically on the task of running errands, highlighting a key responsibility of a "gofer".

Dogsbody

Implies a subservient role, often involving unpleasant or menial tasks; similar in connotation to "gofer".

Office assistant

A more formal term for someone who performs a variety of tasks in an office, which can include those of a "gofer".

Junior employee

Highlights the low-ranking position and associated duties often assigned to a "gofer".

Assistant

A general term for someone who aids another person, potentially including errand-running duties.

Helper

Describes someone who provides assistance, which could encompass the responsibilities of a "gofer".

Underling

Suggests a subordinate position, where one might be tasked with menial duties.

Lackey

Implies a more demeaning subservience, where one carries out orders without question.

Minion

A playful term for someone who performs tasks for another, often with a humorous connotation.

Workhorse

Emphasizes the diligent and hardworking nature of someone who tackles various tasks, including those a "gofer" might handle.

FAQs

What does the term "gofer" mean?

The term "gofer" refers to a person whose job it is to run errands, fetch things, or generally do minor tasks for others, often in a work environment. It's synonymous with terms like errand runner or assistant, though it may carry a slightly more informal or even negative connotation.

Is "gofer" a formal or informal term?

"Gofer" is generally considered an informal term. It's best used in casual conversation or writing, and should be avoided in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral term like "office assistant" or "errand runner" would be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to the word "gofer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "errand runner", "assistant", "dogsbody", or "junior employee". The best choice depends on the specific duties and the desired tone.

Does the word "gofer" have negative connotations?

Yes, "gofer" can sometimes have negative connotations, suggesting that the person's job is menial, unimportant, or subservient. It might be perceived as diminishing or belittling. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of your audience and the context in which you're using the term.