PhrasesHub

Backroom boy

    Definitions

      • an individual who works behind the scenes or in a subordinate role
        Refer to someone who is not in the spotlight or directly involved in a project, but plays a crucial role in its success

      • someone who is not well-known or recognized for their contributions
        Describe someone who is often overlooked or undervalued, but still plays an important role in an organization or group

      • a person who is responsible for handling the less glamorous or undesirable tasks
        Describe someone who is tasked with handling difficult or menial tasks, often without receiving recognition or praise

    Examples of Backroom boy

    • The software update that improved millions of smartphones was the brainchild of a backroom boy in Silicon Valley.

      "Backroom boy" refers to the individual who played a significant but behind-the-scenes role in developing the software update.

    • During the awards ceremony, the CEO highlighted the efforts of the backroom boys who made the project's success possible.

      In this context, "backroom boys" refers to the team members who worked diligently behind the scenes, perhaps without public recognition.

    • Known for her public persona, the politician owes a lot of her success to her strategist, a true backroom boy.

      The expression "backroom boy" here describes the strategist as someone crucial to the politician's success, even though he works out of the limelight.

    • As the astronauts received global acclaim, the backroom boys at mission control celebrated the part they played in silence.

      "Backroom boys" stands for the mission control team whose instrumental roles in the mission were less visible to the public.

    • While the scientists were lauded for their breakthrough, it was the backroom boys in the lab whose toil really turned the tide.

      The term "backroom boys" is used for lab workers whose hard work behind the scenes was key to the scientific breakthrough.

    • The director gets the glory, but the film would be nothing without the backroom boys in editing and post-production.

      "Backroom boys" refers to the essential but often unacknowledged editing and post-production crew.

    • The famous author frequently mentions his team of backroom boys, responsible for researching the vast historical details in his novels.

      "Backroom boys" are the research team doing critical, supportive work in private for the author's novels.

    • Winning the cybersecurity competition, the team thanked their backroom boy, whose code-cracking algorithm went unnoticed by many.

      The term "backroom boy" is being applied to the team member who developed a significant algorithm that did not earn widespread attention.


    Conclusion

    Overall, the idiom "backroom boy" refers to someone who works behind the scenes, is not well-known, and handles less glamorous tasks.

    Origin of "Backroom boy"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 1900s, when it was commonly used in the political and business world. The term "backroom" refers to a room that is located away from the main public area, often used for private meetings and discussions. In this context, the "backroom boy" would be someone who is not in the forefront of decision-making or public-facing roles, but rather works in the background to support and assist those in power.

    Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings, including someone who is not well-known or recognized for their contributions, or someone who is responsible for handling undesirable tasks. This could be due to the fact that many important tasks and decisions are often made behind closed doors, and those who work in these "backrooms" may not receive the same recognition or attention as those in the spotlight.

    Examples of this idiom being used in literature include George Orwell's novel "Coming Up For Air" where he refers to a character as a "backroom boy" for his work behind the scenes in politics, and in P.G. Wodehouse's "The Inimitable Jeeves" where a character is described as a "backroom boy" for his role in managing the household affairs. Overall, the idiom "backroom boy" highlights the importance of those who work behind the scenes and may not receive the same level of recognition as others.