mean person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mean person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who frequently behaves in an unkind or aggressive way. For example, "Larry is a mean person; it seems like nothing ever makes him happy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm not a mean person.

The Guardian - Tech

How does such a mean person get such power?

The New Yorker

But Ray started being a real mean person, so I ended up asking Nate.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was a mean person to me, but something like that, no".

The New Yorker

"But everyone needs to know that he was never a mean person.

The New York Times

Of her blowups, Mr. Feinstein said: "She's not inherently a mean person.

The New York Times

"He was a very, very mean person," said her mother, a receptionist who has remarried.

The New York Times

"You look for a way to make her happy, because she was very old and a mean person".

The New Yorker

However hard she looks for something recognizable in this disaffected girl, "I can't see anyone but this angry mean person".

The New York Times - Books

On Twitter, Ms. Plaza is known as @evilhag, but in real life, "she's not a mean person," Ms. Poehler said.

The New York Times

A truly mean person would call this the Curse of Junior, referring to the gloomy miasma of Ken Griffey Jr., who talked his way out of Seattle.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "mean person", provide specific examples of their behavior to support your assessment and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Relying solely on the label "mean person" can be reductive. Instead, describe the specific actions and attitudes that make someone appear mean to provide a more nuanced and informative picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mean person" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an individual characterized by unkind, unpleasant, or malicious behavior. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone's negative attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mean person" is a common and generally accepted way to describe someone exhibiting unkind or malicious behavior. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While the phrase is straightforward, it's important to use it judiciously, backing it up with specific examples of the behavior in question, as a general description of their actions may not apply to the individual. For a more nuanced approach, consider using alternative phrases like "unkind individual" or "nasty character" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unkind individual

Replaces "mean" with "unkind", softening the tone while retaining the core meaning of lacking kindness.

nasty character

Shifts the focus to the overall character of the person, emphasizing unpleasantness and spitefulness.

cruel soul

Highlights the moral aspect of the person's behavior, suggesting a deep-seated lack of compassion.

malicious individual

Emphasizes the intent behind the person's actions, suggesting a desire to cause harm or suffering.

ill-tempered person

Focuses on the person's disposition, indicating a tendency to be easily angered or irritated.

spiteful individual

Highlights a tendency to hold grudges and seek revenge, emphasizing pettiness and resentment.

callous person

Indicates a lack of empathy or concern for the feelings of others, emphasizing emotional detachment.

vindictive individual

Stresses a strong desire for revenge, highlighting a willingness to inflict harm in retaliation for perceived wrongs.

unpleasant person

Offers a more general description of someone who is difficult or disagreeable to be around.

difficult person

Focuses on the challenges and frustrations associated with interacting with the person.

FAQs

How can I describe a "mean person" without using the exact phrase?

You can use alternatives such as "unkind individual", "nasty character", or "cruel soul" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to call someone a "mean person"?

While the phrase is grammatically correct, consider whether it's the most accurate or helpful way to describe someone's behavior. Providing specific examples of their actions might be more informative and less judgmental.

What are some common traits associated with a "mean person"?

Common traits can include a lack of empathy, a tendency to be critical or judgmental, and a willingness to inflict emotional pain on others. Remember that these are generalizations and may not apply to every individual.

What should I do if someone is being a "mean person" to me?

Consider setting boundaries, communicating your feelings assertively, or seeking support from trusted friends or family members. In some cases, it may be necessary to limit or end your contact with the person.