contact man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Professional / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “contact man” mean?
A person who serves as a point of connection or intermediary between two parties, often using their network of personal or professional relationships.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who serves as a point of connection or intermediary between two parties, often using their network of personal or professional relationships.
An agent, intermediary, or liaison who facilitates deals, information exchange, or access, often in business, politics, or intelligence contexts. The role implies having valuable connections and the ability to make introductions or arrange meetings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though the term is perhaps slightly more prevalent in British English in journalistic and political contexts. The gender-specific "man" is increasingly avoided in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can imply a slightly shadowy or unofficial intermediary, especially in intelligence or crime reporting. In corporate settings, it is more neutral.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use; mostly found in specific professional, journalistic, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “contact man” in a Sentence
[Entity A] used [Entity B] as a contact man to reach [Entity C].[Entity A], the contact man for [Entity B], arranged the meeting.The role of contact man between [Group X] and [Group Y].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contact man” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was contacted to man the liaison office during the summit.
- The firm needed someone to contact man the deal in the Balkans.
American English
- They contracted him to contact-man the negotiations.
- Her job was to contact-man the relationship between the developers and the city council.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for individuals who broker deals or provide access to key decision-makers, e.g., in mergers or market entry.
Academic
Rare; might appear in political science or sociology texts discussing network theory or corruption.
Everyday
Very rare; 'contact person' or simply 'my contact' is used.
Technical
Used in intelligence and law enforcement contexts to denote a local asset or intermediary in the field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contact man”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contact man”
- Using it as a gender-neutral term (use 'contact person').
- Confusing it with 'spokesperson' (a contact man connects privately, a spokesperson communicates publicly).
- Overusing in general contexts where 'contact' or 'liaison' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It is more often a descriptive term for a role someone plays rather than an official title. Official titles are more likely 'Liaison Officer', 'Account Manager', or 'Business Development Contact'.
No. The inclusion of 'man' makes it gender-specific. In modern professional and inclusive communication, terms like 'contact person', 'liaison', or 'point of contact' are strongly preferred.
A 'referral' is a passive recommendation (e.g., a name). A 'contact man' is an active participant who facilitates the connection, often managing the relationship or flow of information between parties.
Not always, but it often carries that nuance, especially in journalism or intelligence. In straight business contexts, it can be neutral, though the more neutral 'liaison' is often a better choice to avoid unintended connotations.
A person who serves as a point of connection or intermediary between two parties, often using their network of personal or professional relationships.
Contact man: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.tækt ˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.tækt ˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A man who knows a man.”
- “The guy with the golden Rolodex.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CONTACT MAN' as the human version of a USB cable – his job is to CONNECT two separate devices (people or groups) so they can exchange information or power (influence).
Conceptual Metaphor
NETWORKS ARE CIRCUITS (a contact man closes the circuit, allowing current/information to flow). PEOPLE ARE CONDUITS (channeling access or influence).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'contact man' MOST likely to be used appropriately?