faktotum

Faktotum is a term derived from the Latin phrase "fac totum," meaning "do everything." Historically, a faktotum referred to a person employed to perform a wide variety of tasks, often in a household or office setting. This role encompassed duties ranging from general maintenance and errands to more specialized administrative or personal assistant functions. The term implies a versatile individual capable of handling diverse responsibilities without necessarily possessing deep expertise in any single area.

In some contexts, a faktotum might have been a trusted servant or employee who acted as a general handyman, secretary, or even confidant to their employer. The nature and scope of a faktotum's duties were highly dependent on the specific needs and resources of the person or entity employing them. While the term was more common in earlier periods, the concept of a multi-skilled individual handling a broad range of tasks persists in modern employment, though often under different titles such as personal assistant, office manager, or general laborer. The emphasis remains on adaptability and a willingness to undertake whatever work is required.