marmes man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is not a headword in any major standard dictionary (Oxford, Merriam-Webster, etc.). It appears to be a rare, possibly dialectal, literary, or nonce word used to describe a man of exceptional gentleness.

The most plausible etymology is a derivation from 'marm', a colloquial or dialectal variant of 'ma'am' or 'madam', used as a title for a woman. Adding '-es' creates a possessive or adjectival form, hence 'like a madam' or 'having the qualities of a madam' (in the sense of gentility, softness), applied unusually to a man.

Only with caution. Because it is so obscure, using it in general communication will likely cause confusion. It could be used effectively in creative writing to create a specific, quaint character portrait, but should be avoided in formal, academic, or business contexts.

Not explicitly labeled as such, but characters who embody the concept include Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird) for his principled gentleness, Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings) for his nurturing loyalty, or the title character in 'The Remains of the Day' for his extreme, self-effacing courtesy.

An exceptionally kind, gentle, and good-hearted man.

Marmes man is usually informal, colloquial, possibly archaic/literary in register.

Marmes man: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːmz ˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑrmz ˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.