'Waitperson' - is this a common word? I'd been under the impression that 'waiter', like 'actor', was increasingly being used gender-neutrally. Or can I expect to come across 'actperson' soon?
The Oxford English Dictionary does list 'waitperson' (as an American English term) - the first quotation is as follows:
1980 N.Y. Times 3 Aug. (Long Island Weekly section) 13/1 The young waiters and waitresses (referred to as ‘waitpersons’ on the menu),..wear a preppy uniform.
2 comments:
Most Americans actually use "server", I think, though "waitstaff" is a common generic plural.
My Concise OED also lists 'waitron', "US: a waiter or waitress". Brilliant!
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