man about town

USAGE SUMMARY

"man about town" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who is well-known in their social circle, who has a lot of influence in the community, and who goes out a lot. For example, "James is a real man about town; he's always out on the town at the hottest parties and events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

73.Amar'e Stoudemire, man about town.

The New York Times

Perfect for the man about town.

Independent

"He's a man about town," Mr. Hilfiger said.

The New York Times

His album Man About Town is really fantastic.

The Guardian - Film

Marcel was a multilingual man about town, full of life, charm, curiosity and adventure.

The New York Times

Is Charlie, that nocturnal man about town, ­really suited to rise-and-shine rigmarole?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Jean Pigozzi, the man-about-town, darted under military portraits.

The New York Times

Writer sat with Jerome Zipkin, the man-about-town.

The New Yorker

His man-about-town ways earned him the nickname Broadway Joe.

The New York Times

The young Kant overcame his humble origins to become an elegant man-about-town.

The Economist

But years before that, he had been the greatest man-about-town in Dawson City and Nome.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of sophistication and worldliness when choosing "man about town". Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

Common error

While traditionally masculine, consider whether the phrase accurately reflects modern inclusivity. If describing a woman, consider alternatives like "woman of the world" or other gender-neutral terms to avoid outdated stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "man about town" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a descriptive label. It characterizes a man who is well-known in social circles and frequents fashionable places, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "man about town" is a noun phrase denoting a sophisticated and socially active man, commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While traditionally masculine, consider gender-neutral alternatives in modern usage. Semantically related phrases include "boulevardier" and "socialite", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "man about town", ensure its connotations of sophistication align with your writing's tone. Remember to be mindful of potential gender implications and choose inclusive language when appropriate. It's important to note its communicative purpose: to portray someone well-known and active in urban social settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boulevardier

Implies a sophisticated and fashionable man who frequents urban boulevards.

socialite

Focuses on someone prominent in high society, often due to wealth or status.

man of society

Highlights the individual's engagement and standing within a particular social circle.

bon vivant

Implies someone who enjoys the finer things in life, including good food, drink, and company.

worldly man

Emphasizes experience and knowledge of the world, often gained through travel and social interaction.

person of the world

Highlights broad experience and adaptability in various social settings.

social butterfly

Describes someone who flits from one social event to another, known for their sociability.

flaneur

Focuses on aimless wandering and observation in urban environments, often with a detached perspective.

dandy

Stresses meticulous attention to appearance and fashion.

partygoer

Simply denotes someone who frequently attends parties.

FAQs

How can I use "man about town" in a sentence?

You can use "man about town" to describe a sophisticated, socially active man who is well-known and enjoys frequenting fashionable places. For example, "He's a real "man about town", always seen at the latest restaurants and events".

What's a similar phrase to "man about town" that I could use?

Similar phrases include "boulevardier", "socialite", or "worldly man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "man about town" a formal or informal expression?

"Man about town" is generally considered a somewhat informal expression, suitable for journalistic or conversational contexts. More formal settings might call for a more descriptive phrase like "prominent social figure".

Can "man about town" be used to describe a woman?

While traditionally used for men, using "man about town" to describe a woman could be seen as outdated or ironic. Consider using gender-neutral terms like "socialite" or "person of the world" for broader applicability.