A porter is a person whose job is to carry luggage and other loads, especially at hotels, train stations, or airports. In some places, it can also mean a person who looks after the entrance of a building.
From Old French *porteur* “carrier,” from Latin *portātor* from *portāre* “to carry.” The job title directly names the main action: carrying things.
The word *porter* is a rare case where the job and the verb line up perfectly: a porter *ports* (carries) things. It’s a living reminder that before engines and elevators, moving weight was itself a full profession.
The role of 'porter'—in hotels, railways, and hospitals—has often been coded male, with job titles and uniforms reflecting assumptions that heavy carrying and service work are men’s roles. Women in similar roles have sometimes been given different titles or paid less.
Use 'porter' for people of any gender and avoid assuming the role is male by default. Where possible, use job titles that reflect the actual duties rather than gendered expectations.
["baggage handler","hospital porter","support staff"]
Women working in porter and related support roles have been central to the functioning of hospitals, transport, and hospitality, often with limited recognition and lower pay.
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