flyman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (technical term)Technical / Professional / Historical
Quick answer
What does “flyman” mean?
A theatre stagehand who operates the flying system (fly gallery) to raise and lower scenery, backdrops, or actors during a performance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theatre stagehand who operates the flying system (fly gallery) to raise and lower scenery, backdrops, or actors during a performance.
In historical contexts (19th century), could refer to a driver of a fast horse-drawn coach or cab.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in the theatre sense. The historical coach-driver sense was primarily British.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation; denotes a skilled technical role.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to theatre professionals.
Grammar
How to Use “flyman” in a Sentence
The [flyman] [verbs] the [scenery].[Person] works as a/the [flyman].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flyman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as an adjective
American English
- N/A - not used as an adjective
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theatre history or technical theatre studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term within stagecraft and theatrical rigging.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flyman”
- Using it to mean a pilot or someone who flies. Confusing it with 'fireman'. Assuming it's a common occupation term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a specialised technical theatre term. Most people outside the industry will never encounter it.
While the term is gendered, the role can be performed by anyone. Industry-neutral terms like 'fly operator' or 'fly technician' are increasingly preferred.
A flyman is a specific type of stagehand who specialises in operating the flying system. All flymen are stagehands, but not all stagehands are flymen.
No. The 'fly' refers to the system of ropes, pulleys, and counterweights used to 'fly' (raise/lower) items onto the stage.
A theatre stagehand who operates the flying system (fly gallery) to raise and lower scenery, backdrops, or actors during a performance.
Flyman is usually technical / professional / historical in register.
Flyman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflaɪ.mæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflaɪ.mæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a man who makes things FLY on stage: FLY-MAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTROLLER metaphor (controls vertical movement); a PUPPETEER metaphor (manipulates objects from above).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern context, a 'flyman' is most likely to work...