flashman

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A slick salesman or spin doctor.

   • A flashman just naturally tried to promote and show- off his company at every opportunity. Wasn't that what sales-PR was all about? Even the police departments engaged flashmen.
   • "They're all Los Angeles flashmen running this thing. Joe McDonald told anyone who'd listen that they're just a bunch of sleazebags opposed to everything we stand for, dragging show biz into it, and he was right."
2. 2

   A pimp.

   • Are not your favourite friends horn-boys and flashmen —
   • While loud her flashman cries, 'Arise, my ladybird, arise!'
   • He now had a country seat at Kilmacud and women procured for him by a flashman.
3. 3

   A woman's boyfriend.

   • Her flashman, in her estimation, is ten times handsomer, certainly more acceptable.
   • c. 1833, Broadside Ballad, "My flashman has gone to sea". My flashman he's a Yankee, with his hair cut short behind
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      Someone who distracts the target of a thief

      Someone who distracts the target of a thief; a confidence trickster.

      • "Stop your jaw, or I'll stop it for you, and teach you another time to know a gentleman from a flashman."
      • He shared the fate of most country bumpkins on arriving at the metropolis, and was quickly robbed by a flashman, who claimed acquaintance with him and cleared out his fob

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