The word "caddy" has several possible etymologies:
From the Malay word "katti" (or its Tamil equivalent "katti"), meaning a bundle or small package. This usage was introduced to English in the 17th century, referring to a small box or container for carrying tea.
From the Scots word "caddie", meaning a person who carries golf clubs for a player. This usage first appeared in the 19th century and is thought to derive from the French word "cadet," meaning a younger son or page.
From the Irish Gaelic word "caideach", meaning a chatterbox or storyteller. This usage was common in the 18th century, referring to people who carried bundles and shared stories along the way.
Meaning
The meaning of "caddy" has evolved over time:
Originally, a caddy referred to a box or container for carrying tea.
In golf, a caddy is the person who carries the player's golf clubs.
In various contexts, a caddy can also refer to a person who assists or performs menial tasks, such as a doorman or bellboy.
Origin
The exact origin of the word "caddy" is uncertain. However, the most likely explanation is that it derives from the Malay word "katti," which was introduced to English through contact with the East India Company during the 17th century.
