- the Man
- nAmerican1a.the police, the government, the (white) establishment or any other authority, or person in authority. A usage coined by underdogs which was taken up by the black power and hippy movements of the late 1960s.► 'Looking for a job in the city/ Working for the Man ev'ry night and day.' ('Proud Mary' by John Fogerty, recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1969)1b.a sports champion, pop singer, etc. considered by the speaker to be the top practitioner of his craft► There were a lot of good heavyweights around in the '60s, but Ali was the Man.2.a supplier of illicit drugs, a pusher, dealer or connection► 'I'm waiting for my man/ Twenty-six dol-lars in my hand.' ('I'm Waiting for my Man' written by Lou Reed, recorded by The Velvet Under-ground, 1967)
Contemporary slang . 2014.