Most people today do without servants, but before the 20th century, upper-class households were regularly managed by a person called a butler. This was a male position (the female version was a housekeeper), and the word came from the Old French word “bouteillier,”meaning “cupbearer,” and “bouteille,”meaning “bottle.” However, butlers did much more than manage a household’s wine bottles. They were responsible for managing the rest of the staff, including cooks, maids, and footmen; overseeing the maintenance of the house and grounds; and ensuring all of the meals, entertainment, and visitors were handled appropriately. The word “buttle” was created as a backformation to mean “perform the work of a butler.” While everyone’s work should be treated respectfully, this word in particular is meant to be used a bit facetiously.