Cableman

/ˈkeɪbəl ˌmæn/ noun

Definition

A man who works with cables, installs cable systems, or maintains cable television infrastructure.

Etymology

From cable combined with man (from Old English man, meaning person). The term became common in the mid-20th century with cable television expansion.

Kelly Says

Cable technicians in the 1970s were like the unsung heroes who made the cable revolution happen—they crawled through walls and attics to wire America for a new era of entertainment.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Occupational term defaulting to male form. Industrial/technical terminology from 19th–20th centuries presumed male workforce in cable-laying and maintenance roles.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'cable technician' or 'cable worker' for gender-neutral reference. Reserve 'cableman' only in historical contexts or specific gendered references.

Inclusive Alternatives

["cable technician","cable worker","cable installer"]

Empowerment Note

Women have worked in cable installation and telecommunications since early 20th century, though often unrecognized; acknowledge contributions of female cable workers in technical histories.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.