man Friday
Devoted male assistant
A man Friday is a loyal male assistant or right-hand man who handles varied tasks for an employer.
The term comes from the character Friday in Daniel Defoe's *Robinson Crusoe*, who serves Crusoe devotedly after being rescued.
He's been my man Friday for twenty years—I couldn't run the office without him.
The female equivalent is girl Friday, though both terms now sound dated.
One who aids another
- personal assistantHired organizational helper
- secretaryAdministrative office aide
- attendantOne who assists others
- factotumServant with varied duties
valet · gofer · errand boy · gopher · dogsbody · runner · fetch-and-carry · jack-of-all-trades
Consistently loyal and true
- devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
dependable · true · dedicated · constant · unswerving · allegiant · stalwart · unfailing
One lower in rank
- underlingPerson of lower rank
- minionServile subordinate
- lackeyServile follower or minion
- flunkyServile subordinate
servant · menial · hireling · drudge · peon · dogsbody · skivvy · serf
Cleverly original in design
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
- capableHaving required skills
- competentSufficiently able, qualified
handy · clever · inventive · problem-solver · quick-witted · self-reliant · enterprising · practical
helper
One who aids another
- personal assistantHired organizational helper
- secretaryAdministrative office aide
- attendantOne who assists others
factotum · valet · gofer · errand boy · gopher · dogsbody · runner · fetch-and-carry · jack-of-all-trades · handyman
faithful
Consistently loyal and true
- devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
reliable · dependable · true · dedicated · constant · unswerving · allegiant · stalwart · unfailing · dutiful
subordinate
One lower in rank
flunky · servant · menial · hireling · drudge · peon · dogsbody · skivvy · serf · vassal
ingenious
Cleverly original in design
competent · handy · clever · inventive · problem-solver · quick-witted · self-reliant · enterprising · practical · efficient
man Fridaytraitor
One who betrays allegiance
betrayer · backstabber · turncoat · deserter · Judas
man Fridaysaboteur
One who deliberately undermines
hindrance · obstruction · liability · burden · deadweight
man, aide, Friday, manservant