candy man

See also: candyman and candy-man

English

Alternative forms

• candy-man
• candyman

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Noun

candy man (plural candy men)

1. (chiefly US, euphemistic, slang) A drug dealer.
   • 2015, John Holt, chapter 6, in The Candy Man, page 33:

     “So your friend was into drugs, is that what you’re saying. He’s a Candy Man. That’s some friend to have, I don’t think.” She looked puzzled. “Candy Man,” she repeated. “I don’t understand.” A Candy Man is a slang term for a drug dealer,” I explained.

2. (dated) A person who sells sweets, especially a sidewalk or street vendor.
   • 1859, T. S. Arthur, chapter 18, in Trials and Confessions of a Housekeeper:

     "There comes the candy-man!" exclaimed a little fellow, pressing up to the side of the lady. "Quick, ma! Here, candy-man!" calling after an old man with a tin cylinder under his arm.

References

• “candy man”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.