man in the street
Definition
Noun: A hypothetical average man; an ordinary, typical person whose opinions and attitudes are considered to represent those of the general public. This term is used to refer to a common, non-expert individual in society.
Usage
This noun phrase is used to personify the general public or common opinion. It is typically used in singular form, often preceded by the definite article "the" (e.g., "the man in the street"). It is a fixed expression.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can sometimes be used in a slightly plural sense to refer to ordinary people collectively, though the singular form is retained.
- The advertising campaign was designed to appeal to the man in the street.
- It is often used in contrast to experts, elites, or officials.
- While economists debated the details, the man in the street was worried about rising prices.
Variants and Related Words
- Everyman (noun): A similar concept representing an ordinary individual, often used in literary contexts.
- Average Joe (noun, informal): An informal American English term with a very similar meaning.
- Common man (noun): A more general phrase meaning an ordinary citizen.
- Woman in the street (noun): A modern, gender-inclusive variant, though "man in the street" is still widely used as a generic term.
Synonyms
- Ordinary person
- Common citizen
- Average person
- John Q. Public (idiomatic, chiefly US)
Antonyms
- Expert
- Specialist
- Elite
- Official
Related Idioms
- On the street: Used to indicate prevailing public opinion or rumor.
- The word on the street is that the company is about to be sold.
- (Note: This is related but distinct; it refers to rumor or general talk, not a hypothetical person.)
Noun
-
a hypothetical average man
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