Plural of 'handyman,' referring to multiple men skilled at doing various repairs and maintenance work around a home or property.
From 'handy' (convenient, skilled) plus 'men' (Old English 'mann'), becoming a common occupational term in the mid-20th century as homeownership increased.
The term 'handyman' is almost always singular or used generically—we rarely say 'handymen,' preferring 'handymen' sounds awkward because 'handyman' has become more of an idiomatic job title than a transparent compound.
The term uses 'men' generically, reflecting mid-20th century convention of defaulting to masculine forms. This erases women who performed the same skilled repair work.
Use 'handyperson' or 'handypeople' to acknowledge all genders perform this work equally.
["handyperson","handypeople","skilled tradesperson"]
Women have always worked in repairs and maintenance; 'handyman' terminology historically rendered their contributions invisible in professional contexts.
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