stunt man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Professional (film/entertainment industry)
Quick answer
What does “stunt man” mean?
A person, typically a man, who performs dangerous or spectacular physical feats, especially as a substitute for an actor in a film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically a man, who performs dangerous or spectacular physical feats, especially as a substitute for an actor in a film.
A professional skilled in performing high-risk physical actions for entertainment, often involving vehicles, fights, or falls. The term can sometimes be used metaphorically for someone who takes reckless risks in real life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling is consistently two words. The professional terminology is identical.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned in both varieties due to the gendered 'man'. In modern film credits, 'Stunt Performer' or 'Stunt Coordinator' is more common.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, primarily in contexts discussing film, television, or live shows.
Grammar
How to Use “stunt man” in a Sentence
The stunt man performed a [difficult leap].The actor was replaced by a stunt man for the [dangerous scene].He works as a stunt man.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in film/TV production contracts and insurance discussions.
Academic
Rare; might appear in film studies papers on production or performance.
Everyday
Used when discussing movies, behind-the-scenes facts, or dangerous jobs.
Technical
Core term in film production, stunt coordination, and guild classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stunt man”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stunt man”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stunt man”
- Writing it as one word: 'stuntman' (common but the dictionary entry is typically two words).
- Using it to refer to a woman (use 'stunt woman' or 'stunt performer').
- Confusing 'stunt man' with 'stunt coordinator' (the latter plans and directs the stunts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly found as both one word ('stuntman') and two ('stunt man'). Many dictionaries list it as two words, but the one-word form is very frequent in informal use.
A 'stunt double' is a specific type of stunt performer who closely resembles a principal actor and substitutes for them in shots where the face might be seen. A 'stunt man' is a more general term for anyone in the profession.
No, the term is inherently gendered. Women in the profession are correctly called 'stunt women'. The inclusive, professional term for all genders is 'stunt performer'.
Yes, it is inherently high-risk. While extensive training, planning, and safety equipment are used, the job involves performing physically dangerous acts, and injuries are a known occupational hazard.
A person, typically a man, who performs dangerous or spectacular physical feats, especially as a substitute for an actor in a film.
Stunt man is usually informal, professional (film/entertainment industry) in register.
Stunt man: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌnt ˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌnt ˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live life like a stunt man (to live very recklessly).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A STUNT man does the STUNT so the star doesn't have to. The word 'man' is in the job.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A TOOL FOR SPECTACLE (the body is used to create visual impact, often at personal risk).
Practice
Quiz
In modern film credits, which term is increasingly preferred over 'stunt man'?