the man
One in charge
The man is slang for authority figures or the established power structure, especially as perceived by those who feel oppressed or constrained by it.
Originally African American vernacular, it spread through counterculture movements: Don't let the man get you down.
To stick it to the man is to defy or undermine authority.
The man can also mean someone who commands respect or has achieved something impressive: You got the promotion? You're the man!
Founded organization or venue
- systemConnected parts forming whole
- governmentAuthority over a state
- powers that beThose with official authority
- patriarchyMale-dominated social order
ruling class · hierarchy · institution · big brother · overlords · bureaucracy · administration · regime
Unverified traditional tale
- bossWorkplace superior
- heroOne admired for courage
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- championTop competitor, or advocate
star · MVP · ace · pro · master · genius · virtuoso · rockstar
Shared behavioral standards
- expectationsBeliefs about future outcomes
- rat raceExhausting competitive work routine
- nine-to-fiveRegular office schedule
- corporate cultureShared workplace values, norms
mainstream · convention · fitting in · straight-laced · buttoned-up · sell out · cog · drone
Rebel against authority
- resistOppose or refuse compliance
- defyResist or challenge openly
- opposeAct against something
- challengeTest of ability
subvert · counterculture · antiestablishment · dissent · nonconformity · protest · civil disobedience · anarchy
establishment
Founded organization or venue
- systemConnected parts forming whole
- governmentAuthority over a state
- powers that beThose with official authority
patriarchy · ruling class · hierarchy · institution · big brother · overlords · bureaucracy · administration · regime · dominance
legend
Unverified traditional tale
champion · star · MVP · ace · pro · master · genius · virtuoso · rockstar · top dog
societal norms
Shared behavioral standards
- expectationsBeliefs about future outcomes
- rat raceExhausting competitive work routine
- nine-to-fiveRegular office schedule
corporate culture · mainstream · convention · fitting in · straight-laced · buttoned-up · sell out · cog · drone · sheep
stick it to
Rebel against authority
challenge · subvert · counterculture · antiestablishment · dissent · nonconformity · protest · civil disobedience · anarchy · underground
the manthe people
Citizens collectively
the outsider · the working class · the masses · the proletariat
the manthe kid
man, woman, human, the, manly, mankind, womanly, manhood, manliness