Where did the term "Girl Friday" orginate?

Question

The term was not referenced at all in the movie "His Girl Friday" which is where I thought it originated.

Answer 1

Man Friday is one of the main characters of Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe. His name, in the novel given to him by Robinson Crusoe, has later become an expression used to describe a male personal assistant or servant, especially those that are particularly competent or loyal.

so a girl or a gal Friday is a female man friday


source--wikipedia

Answer 2

"Girl Friday" is a term with which I am very familiar. Having worked for a number of years in the temporary employment business, in the beginning, small businesses did not need termporary help for long periods of time and/or they could not afford the long term services.( Just think - if the temp makes $12 an hour - the company is really being charged about $17 appx/negotiable) They might have needed a secretary,elevator operator, greeter, hostess, nanny, or receptionist for 'one day' . Girl Friday, was the term given to the office worker who worked for a small number of hours, or less than 2-3 days in that work week. The temp was not expected to know a lot - only to 'show her face' and 'fill a seat'. This effort stretched into the business of film and music also. Ever watched an awards program? When the artist is called to the stage - somewhere deep in the wings is a "Girl or Boy Friday". They are paid to sit in the seat to avoid the presence of an empty theatre or event until the artist returns. Usually, they are dressed and you would never know the difference. The pay? It's very good if you can get inside the inner circle.......Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I believe its a twist on "Man Friday" which comes from Robinson Crusoe

Answer 4

dragnet