G-man

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Definition

Noun: 1. A special law-enforcement agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The term "G-man" is an informal, historical slang term for an FBI agent. The "G" stands for "Government."

Usage
  • The term is used as a countable noun to refer to an individual FBI agent.
  • It originated in the 1930s and carries a strong period-specific connotation, often associated with the era of gangsters and Prohibition.
  • While still understood, its use in modern, formal contexts is rare. It may be used stylistically to evoke a historical setting or in a casual, sometimes humorous, manner.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The notorious gangster was finally arrested by a team of G-men.
    • In old movies, the G-man is often portrayed wearing a fedora and a trench coat.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is almost exclusively used as a noun. It does not commonly function as a verb or adjective.
  • It can be used metaphorically or humorously to refer to any federal agent or authority figure in a suit, implying a serious, official demeanor.
    • After the audit, he joked that the accountants were like G-men going through his books.
Variants and Related Words
  • FBI Agent: The modern, formal term for a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • Fed: A more contemporary and broader slang term for any federal law enforcement officer or official.
  • Special Agent: The official job title for an FBI agent and other federal investigators.
Synonyms
  • FBI agent
  • Federal agent
  • Government agent
Antonyms
  • Criminal
  • Gangster
  • Outlaw
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • "The G-men are coming": A phrase used to suggest that authorities (specifically federal agents) are on their way or investigating. It evokes a sense of impending justice or trouble from the law.
    • When the financial fraud was discovered, everyone whispered that the G-men were coming.
Noun
  1. a special law-enforcement agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation