Mister Man

English

Alternative forms

• mister man

Etymology

Apparently a combination of the vocative senses of mister + man.

Proper noun

Mister Man

1. (informal) Used to address a male, especially one whose name is not known to the speaker.
   • 1898, Harriet Anna Cheever, Little Mr. Van Vere of China:

     As for you, little mister man, just look at the berth you've got!

   • 1921, Richard Washburn Child, The Velvet Black:

     "I'm an inspector, mister man," replied the other.

   • 2004, Alan Sillitoe, A man of his time:

     'Who are you, Mister Man?' The boy sensed more about Burton than his name, but what a bust-up it would cause if I told him, Alma thought.