noun
factotum
fak-TOH-tum/fækˈtəʊtəm/
An employee or helper who performs many different tasks.
The inn's factotum handles repairs, linens, parcels, and cleaning.
Etymology
The combination literally commands “do everything”: fac is the command form of “do,” and totum supplies “everything.” It became a name for someone employed to handle all kinds of work.
In context
Miss Macnulty suggested that Gowran should be consulted. Now, Gowran was the steward and bailiff and manager and factotum about the place, who bought a cow or sold one
More examples
- As the inn's factotum, Maria checks in guests and makes minor repairs.
- The theater hires two factotums to build sets, sell tickets, and clean.
- He starts as a delivery driver but soon becomes the shop's factotum.
Forms
factotum · factotums
Similar words
- assistant
- Helps another person but may have a narrowly defined role.
- handyman
- Usually handles repairs and maintenance rather than varied administrative tasks.