skivvy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skivvy" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may not be widely recognized in all contexts.
You can use it to refer to a domestic servant or someone who does menial work, often in a casual or colloquial context. Example: "After a long day at work, I felt like a skivvy, cleaning up after everyone in the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The reason for that failure is, in large measure, that geneticists did not then understand the importance of RNA, a molecule that was seen as a skivvy to its step-sisters, DNA and proteins.

The Economist

The bride often arrived as little more than a skivvy; arranged matches with strangers could leave her especially unprotected.

The Economist

She was brought to despair after being forced to skivvy for her husband's entire family.

The Economist

James originally read for one of the cruel stepsisters that reduce poor orphaned Cinderella to a mere skivvy, but then she was asked to try out for the lead.

Independent

"People with a lot of money do try to treat you like a skivvy.

Independent

It describes how Sara Crewe is set to work as a skivvy in her former school after the disappearance of her financial support.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

All the same, there is a peculiar fascination about the old order, with its skivvies and tweenies and gentlemen's gentlemen.

The Economist

Brides are deemed to join their husband's family on marriage and are often treated as unpaid skivvies.

The Economist

A $44.99 electric toy pays 81 cents in labour costs.In this section A hero of his time Casualties on the home front Eurabia revisited Skivvies of the sky The tale of Barbie and Li Mei Reports of its death are exaggerated ReprintsAlthough Chinese law stipulates that assembly-line workers should toil for only 53 hours a week, 80 hours is common: the average working day is 11-12 hours long.

The Economist

An ageing population makes cuts in welfare and pensions more urgent, but European countries have to tackle these anyway.In this section A hero of his time Casualties on the home front Eurabia revisited Skivvies of the sky The tale of Barbie and Li Mei Reports of its death are exaggerated ReprintsAs for the EU, Mr Laqueur is right that it is having a mid-life crisis, but he exaggerates its gravity.

The Economist

The son, turned instant vegetarian, holds him in Hamlet-like loathing.In this section A hero of his time Casualties on the home front Eurabia revisited Skivvies of the sky The tale of Barbie and Li Mei Reports of its death are exaggerated ReprintsMs Moggach's characters are funny and sad, though perhaps a shade two-dimensional; her ending a little arbitrary with an awkward epilogue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context when using "skivvy", as it can be perceived as derogatory or old-fashioned. More neutral terms like "domestic worker" or "household assistant" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "skivvy" anachronistically. While it accurately describes certain historical roles, its use in modern contexts can sound forced or out of touch. Opt for contemporary terms when discussing current labor practices.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "skivvy" is as a noun, referring to a female domestic servant, especially one employed for menial work. It can also function as a verb, meaning to perform menial work, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "skivvy" is a noun and verb primarily used to describe a female domestic servant who performs menial tasks, or the act of doing such work. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and usable, although it's informal and can be perceived as derogatory or outdated. Its usage is most common in News & Media. When writing, consider your audience and context, opting for more neutral terms like "domestic worker" in formal situations. While "skivvy" is understandable, its historical connotations should be considered to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domestic servant

Replaces the informal "skivvy" with a more formal term for a household worker.

menial worker

Focuses on the nature of the work performed, rather than the specific role.

household help

A general term for someone who assists with household tasks.

maid of all work

An older term emphasizing the variety of tasks performed by a domestic servant.

drudge

Highlights the tedious and unpleasant nature of the work.

underling

Emphasizes the subordinate position of the worker.

lackey

Suggests a subservient and often demeaning role.

peon

Implies a low-status and often exploited worker.

gofer

Colloquial term for someone who runs errands and performs basic tasks.

dogsbody

British slang for someone given unpleasant or tedious tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "skivvy" in a sentence?

"Skivvy" can be used as a noun to describe a female domestic servant who does menial work, or as a verb to describe the act of doing such work. For example: "She was treated like a "skivvy" by her husband's family" or "He was forced to "skivvy" in the kitchens."

What are some synonyms for "skivvy"?

Alternatives to "skivvy" include "domestic servant", "menial worker", "household help", or "maid of all work". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "skivvy" in formal writing?

The term "skivvy" is generally considered informal and may be perceived as derogatory. In formal writing, it's best to use more neutral and respectful terms like "domestic worker" or "household employee".

What is the difference between "skivvy" and "slave"?

While both terms describe someone performing subservient labor, "slave" implies forced servitude and a complete lack of freedom. "Skivvy" refers specifically to a domestic servant, typically female, performing menial tasks, and doesn't necessarily imply a lack of freedom, though it can suggest exploitation or poor treatment.