A term used to describe someone who knows a lot about many things, but, with the second tag "
master of none" added it transforms into a derogatory phrase meant to emphasize how
mastery of one skill is important for deeper knowledge.
However, one,
oft forgotten tag is the third one: "is oftentimes better than a master of one". Instantly, the term reverses meaning, symbolizing how a person who knows a lot about many things that integrates their skills allows them to surpass even a master of one.
Interesting phrase, nonetheless.
"Man, Tom knows a lot! He's a
jack of all trades, aint he?"
"Yeah, but he probably doesn't know a lot about
specifics. You know how it goes:
Jack of all trades,
master of none."
"Jack of all trades, master of one, is oftentimes better than master of one, man. Tom's pretty smart."