a wingman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wingman" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who assists or supports another, often in social situations, particularly in dating contexts. Example: "He always acts as my wingman when I go out, helping me meet new people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Kennedy Jr. was a wingman.

Princeton University

"There's no room for a wingman here," a friend explained.

The New Yorker

Hunting for women is "sarging", and is often carried out with a "wingman" in attendance.

The Economist

"I needed a wingman, and Mom was all I had," he said.

The New York Times

Who performed better as a "wingman", touting their running mate's credentials?

The Guardian - Opinion

In a battlefield environment, warning is usually provided by a wingman.

The New York Times

You need a safety word, and a wingman who knows the plan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of these thieves is Sookee (Kim Tae-ri), whom the Count enlists as a wingman.

The New Yorker

It will even act as a wingman for lonely bachelors, if the promo video is to be believed.

The Guardian - Tech

It departs on 16 March and costs from £499pp, sharing a room: guests must bring a wingman or wingwoman.

The Guardian - Travel

Trump the con man has a wingman and together, in the shadows, they are leading us to ruin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wingman" in the context of dating or social situations, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. It's a colloquial term and might not be understood by everyone.

Common error

Avoid using "a wingman" in formal settings or when referring to serious matters where the informal connotation might be inappropriate. Choose a more professional or respectful term when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wingman" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a person who supports or assists another, often in social or dating contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wingman" is a noun phrase that refers to someone who supports and assists another person, especially in social or dating contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Originating from aviation slang, it maintains an informal register. While widely used in News & Media, it's essential to consider the context to ensure appropriateness. For more formal situations, alternatives like "a supporter" or "an assistant" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helper

This directly describes the action of providing aid or assistance.

a supporting partner

This alternative highlights the role of providing assistance and support.

a buddy

This suggests a close, informal relationship of mutual support.

a collaborator

This highlights working together towards a common goal.

an accomplice

This term suggests a collaboration, often in a mischievous or adventurous context.

a teammate

This alternative points to support within a group working toward a shared objective.

a confidant

This focuses on the trusted and supportive nature of the relationship.

an aide

This term is more formal, referring to someone who provides assistance, often in a professional context.

a second in command

This emphasizes a hierarchical structure where one person assists the leader.

an associate

This is a more general term for someone connected or affiliated with another person.

FAQs

How can I use "a wingman" in a sentence?

You can use "a wingman" to describe someone who assists you, especially in social situations. For example, "He's always been "a wingman" for me at parties."

What is the origin of the term "a wingman"?

The term "a wingman" originates from aviation, where a wingman is a pilot who supports another pilot during flight, watching their back and providing assistance.

Is "a wingman" gender-specific?

No, "a wingman" is not gender-specific. It can refer to a person of any gender who provides support or assistance to another person. The feminine form, though less common, is often referred to as "a wingwoman."

What are some alternative phrases for "a wingman"?

Some alternative phrases for "a wingman" include "a supporter", "a helper", or "an assistant", depending on the specific context in which the term is being used.