The History of Houseboys: Understanding the Controversial Term

Houseboy is a term that was historically used to refer to young male servants or laborers who worked in wealthy households, often performing domestic tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands. The term "houseboy" is derived from the words "house" and "boy," and it was commonly used in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Houseboys were typically young men from working-class backgrounds who were hired by wealthy families to perform domestic labor. They often lived in the household where they worked, and they were expected to be available at all times to perform their duties. Houseboys were often paid low wages and were not always provided with the same benefits or protections as other domestic workers.

The use of houseboys declined in the mid-20th century as more women entered the workforce and as attitudes towards domestic labor changed. Today, the term "houseboy" is largely considered to be outdated and offensive, and it is not commonly used in modern society.