Breadman

/ˈbrɛdˌmæn/ noun

Definition

A person who delivers bread to homes or shops, a bread vendor or baker's delivery worker.

Etymology

Compound of bread + man, reflecting occupational naming from earlier eras when 'man' was used for workers (milkman, postman, etc.).

Kelly Says

The 'breadman' was a beloved figure in mid-20th century neighborhoods—a regular visitor whose arrival meant fresh bread, representing the last gasps of local, daily commerce!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Explicitly masculine agent noun (man + bread). Refers to bread deliverer/seller; gendered language embedded delivery occupations as male. Alternatives (breadwoman, bread seller) rarely used historically.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'bread deliverer,' 'bread seller,' or 'baker' for gender-neutral reference. Avoid '-man' when role is not inherently male.

Inclusive Alternatives

["bread seller","bread deliverer","baker","route driver"]

Empowerment Note

Women worked in bread sales and delivery; gendered naming erased their visibility. Some cultures maintained female-coded food vendors; Western '-man' convention universalized male reference.

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