Boardman

/ˈbɔːrdmən/ noun

Definition

A person who works on or operates something involving a board, such as a construction scaffold or a ship's deck.

Etymology

Compound of 'board' (a flat piece of wood or a ship's deck) plus 'man,' following the old pattern of occupational names. Historical trades were identified by appending 'man' to the tool or place of work.

Kelly Says

Before we had 'person' or gender-neutral language, English created worker titles by simply sticking 'man' on everything: boardman, dairyman, footman. The '-man' suffix is so old it's embedded in 'husband' (house-bound man) and 'woman' (wife-man, originally).

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Generic use of 'man' to describe a person, typically a male worker or staff member in various contexts. Standard occupational terminology historically assumed maleness by default.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'board member,' 'board staff,' or 'boarder' depending on context.

Inclusive Alternatives

["board member","board staff","boarder","board worker"]

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