The phrase "legman woman" may seem confusing at first glance, as it uses a seemingly redundant combination of gendered nouns. However, when broken down phonetically using IPA transcription, the spelling becomes clearer. "Legman" is pronounced [lɛɡmən], with emphasis on the first syllable, and refers to a male assistant or reporter. "Woman" is pronounced [wʊmən], with emphasis on the second syllable, and obviously refers to a female individual. Therefore, "legman woman" would likely be used to specifically refer to a female assistant or reporter.
The term "legman woman" is a relatively uncommon phrase that has two distinct meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.
In the realm of journalism, a "legman woman" refers to a female reporter or journalist who is primarily tasked with conducting field research, gathering information, and conducting interviews on the ground. They serve as a support to the primary journalist or reporter and assist in collecting details or quotes for a story. The term "legman" itself originated in the early 20th century and was used to describe a junior reporter responsible for fact-checking, conducting interviews, or running errands. Thus, a "legman woman" is a female counterpart who performs the same duties, actively participating in newsgathering missions.
In a different context, the phrase "legman woman" can be used somewhat euphemistically. It refers to a woman who is recognized for her attractive legs or who uses her legs as a focal point in her work or as a means of gaining attention or admiration. This portrayal may be found in sectors like entertainment, fashion, or even modeling, where individuals acknowledge or exploit the physical appeal of a woman's legs for professional purposes. In this sense, a "legman woman" is someone who owns or accentuates their legs for personal or career-related reasons.
It's important to note that the less common usage of the term as a reference to an attractive leg may be regarded as objectifying or offensive, perpetuating distinctions based solely on physical appearance rather than the professional abilities or achievements of women.
The word "legman" is of American origin and dates back to the early 20th century. It is derived from the combination of "leg" and "man".
Originally, "legman" referred to a runner or messenger who carried out various tasks, often on behalf of a newspaper or journalist. The term gained popularity in the 1920s, particularly in the field of journalism, where "legmen" were responsible for gathering information, conducting interviews, or covering breaking news stories.
The term "legman" eventually evolved to include both males and females, leading to the expanded usage of "legman woman" or simply "legwoman" to refer to a female reporter or journalist fulfilling similar roles.
As societies have evolved to promote gender equality and inclusivity, the term "legman woman" has fallen out of common usage.