Pronunciation: [lˈɪŋkbɔ͡ɪ] (IPA) 
IPA phonetic transcription for "linkboy" is /ˈlɪŋkbɔɪ/. The word "linkboy" is spelled in traditional English spelling, which can occasionally be irregular. In this case, "lin" is not spelled like it sounds, but rather with an "i" in the middle. "boy" is spelled as it sounds. "Linkboy" refers to a boy who carried a torch to light the way for pedestrians in early England. It was a common job during the 18th century.
A linkboy refers to a young male apprentice or servant who worked as a guide and escort during the nighttime in earlier eras, specifically during the 16th to 18th centuries. The term "link" in linkboy alludes to the type of torch they carried, known as a "link torch." These torches were made of resinous wood or hemp soaked in oil, which produced a bright and smoky flame that helped illuminate the dark streets.
Linkboys were a common fixture in urban areas, particularly in major cities like London, where their services were in high demand due to inadequate street lighting. These young boys, usually adolescents,'d light their links from bonfires or street lamps and accompany pedestrians to ensure their safe passage. They typically carried the link over their shoulder on a long pole, which allowed them to keep it steady and protect the flame from the wind.
In addition to lighting the way, linkboys often offered protection against thieves and highwaymen who preyed on unsuspecting travelers. Their familiarity with the city streets made them skilled guides, assisting individuals in navigating the labyrinthine alleys and dangerous paths. Linkboys played a vital role in enabling people to move throughout the city after dark, ensuring their safety and providing an essential service that improved nighttime mobility in earlier times. However, with advancements in street lighting and societal changes, the role of linkboys gradually diminished, becoming obsolete by the 19th century.
The word "linkboy" originated in 16th century England. It is a combination of two separate words: "link" and "boy".
The term "link" refers to a long flaming torch used for lighting the way at night. These torches were typically made of a small chain or link attached to a handle, hence the name "link". In earlier times, these torches were commonly used by pedestrians to light their way through dark streets.
The word "boy" in this context refers to a young male, often a teenager or a young adult, who was employed to carry and hold the flaming torch for individuals traveling at night. These boys would walk alongside the person, providing illumination by the light of the link.
Over time, the term "linkboy" became a popular term to designate young people who worked as torchbearers in the streets.
