Definition
Gofer is a slang term used to describe someone who runs errands or completes menial tasks for someone else.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
assistant, errand runner, lackey, gopher, aide, helper, servant.
Antonyms
manager, supervisor, leader, executive, boss.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | gofer, gofers |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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I know that I am the CEO of this company, but I still need a trustworthy gofer to run a few errands for me when I’m swamped with paperwork.
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As an intern, my primary responsibility was to act as a gofer, running to get coffee and delivering messages to my boss and their colleagues.
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The film set had a small army of gofers darting around setting up equipment, running cables, and making sure everyone had coffee and snacks.
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Even though they were just gofers, they were treated with respect and kindness by everyone in the office as their hard work was critical to making the company run smoothly.
Usage
The term “gofer” is a slang term that has been in use since the mid-twentieth century. It originated as “gopher,” which comes from the word “Gopherus,” a genus of desert tortoises that was used as a name for anyone who went on errands. In modern usage, the term is almost always spelled “gofer” and is used to describe someone who runs errands or completes menial tasks for someone else.
There are a few variations on the word “gofer” that are sometimes used. For example, “gopher” is still sometimes used, particularly in British English. Additionally, the prefix “super” is sometimes added to the beginning of the word to create “supergofer,” which is used to describe someone who is an especially skilled or valuable gofer. Another variation on the term is “fetch-this or fetch-that,” which is a more specific form of the job that involves running errands for a particular person or organization.
The role of a gofer is a crucial one in many workplaces, particularly in fields such as entertainment, where there are often many different people working on a single project, and a lot of coordination is needed to keep everything running smoothly. Gofers may also be used in a more informal capacity, such as when a busy parent needs someone to run errands or complete tasks around the house. In any case, gofers are appreciated for their hard work, and their contribution to the success of a project or task should not be underestimated.