A dogsbody, dog's body, or less commonly dog robber is someone who does menial or drudge work.[1] Originally, in the British Royal Navy, a dogsbody was a semi-sarcastic colloquialism for a junior officer or midshipman.[1] A batman has a similar function.
A rough American equivalent would be a package-handler, gofer, grunt,[2] lackey, or workhorse.[3]
History[edit]
The Royal Navy used dried peas boiled in a bag (pease pudding) as one of their staple foods circa the early 19th century. Sailors nicknamed this item "dog's body". In the early 20th century, junior officers and midshipmen who performed jobs that more senior officers did not want to do began to be called "dogsbodies".[2] The term became more common in non-naval usage c. 1930, referring to people who were stuck with rough work.[2]
The term "dogsbody" has not always been derogatory, with a number of people deliberately using it as their callsign or handle. The most famous of these is probably Douglas Bader, who was an RAF fighter pilot during the Second World War.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd edition, 2010, s.v.
- ^ a b c Dogsbody definition
- ^ Lackey definition
- ^ Reach for the Sky, Paul Brickhill
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction