stickup man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low, slang/nicheInformal slang, often found in crime fiction, journalism, or historical accounts; potentially stigmatizing.
Quick answer
What does “stickup man” mean?
A person, typically an armed criminal, who commits a robbery by threatening victims, often with a gun (stickup being slang for armed robbery).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically an armed criminal, who commits a robbery by threatening victims, often with a gun (stickup being slang for armed robbery).
An individual who perpetrates street muggings or store robberies through direct confrontation and intimidation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American term. British English would more commonly use 'armed robber', 'mugger', or 'hold-up man'. 'Stickup' as a noun for robbery is understood but less common in UK usage.
Connotations
In AmE: evokes a specific era of gangsterism (1920s-1950s). In BrE: sounds like an Americanism, potentially from film or literature.
Frequency
Very rare in modern British English; occasional in American English but largely historical or stylistic.
Grammar
How to Use “stickup man” in a Sentence
The [Adj] stickup man [V-ed] the [location].A stickup man [armed with] a gun...He was a stickup man [for] a local gang.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stickup man” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not used as a verb in this form.
American English
- N/A – not used as a verb in this form.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – not standard adjectival use.
American English
- N/A – not standard adjectival use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, sociological, or criminological texts discussing crime terminology.
Everyday
Very rare in polite conversation; used for dramatic effect or in recounting crime stories.
Technical
Not a formal legal or law enforcement term; more colloquial/journalistic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stickup man”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stickup man”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stickup man”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'stickman' (which can mean a croupier or a diagram figure).
- Thinking it refers to any thief.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely dated and carries a mid-20th century American gangster vibe. Modern terms like 'armed robber' are more neutral and common.
No, the core meaning implies the use of a weapon (originally 'stick' as slang for gun) to threaten victims. An unarmed robber would not typically be called a stickup man.
A 'stickup man' often implies smaller, more frequent street-level or store robberies with direct confrontation. A 'bank robber' specifically targets banks, which may involve more planning and can be a one-time event.
It is not a slur, but it is informal slang associated with criminal activity. Using it to describe an actual person could be seen as stigmatizing or overly casual. It is safest used in fictional or historical contexts.
A person, typically an armed criminal, who commits a robbery by threatening victims, often with a gun (stickup being slang for armed robbery).
Stickup man is usually informal slang, often found in crime fiction, journalism, or historical accounts; potentially stigmatizing. in register.
Stickup man: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkʌp ˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪkˌəp ˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pull a stickup”
- “He's got a record as a stickup man.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a man making people 'stick up' their hands during a robbery.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A PROFESSION (stickup man, bank robber).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'stickup man' MOST appropriately used?