Etymology
The term predates the film business. In the English apprentice system, the "best boy" was the Master's oldest, most experienced apprentice, who thus had more responsibilities than the others. In effect he was the second person in charge, as a best boy grip or electrician is today, carrying out the key grip's or gaffer's instructions.
As the gaffer is sometimes credited as the chief lighting technician, the best boy electric is sometimes credited as the assistant chief lighting technician.
In the early days of film, the key grip would ask the gaffer, "can I borrow your best boy for an hour?" and vice versa. The term stuck.
The title is accepted for use in credits by the BBC.
Read more about this topic: Best Boy
Famous quotes containing the word etymology:
“Semantically, taste is rich and confusing, its etymology as odd and interesting as that of “style.” But while style—deriving from the stylus or pointed rod which Roman scribes used to make marks on wax tablets—suggests activity, taste is more passive.... Etymologically, the word we use derives from the Old French, meaning touch or feel, a sense that is preserved in the current Italian word for a keyboard, tastiera.”
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