---
title: "the man · GenZ Decoded"
description: "the man: Authority figures or the establishment seen as controlling ordinary people. Example: \"You can't fight the man, but you can speak your mind.\""
url: "https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/the-man/"
lang: "en"
image: "https://genzdecoded.com/og/default.jpg"
---

# the man

Boomer[#social](https://genzdecoded.com/slang-for/social/)

**Meaning.** Authority figures or the establishment seen as controlling ordinary people.

See it in a sentence

You can't fight the man, but you can speak your mind.

## How each generation says it

The closest equivalent for this idea in every generation.

- Gen Z

    No word for this one yet.

- Gen Alpha

    No word for this one yet.

- Millennial

    No word for this one yet.

- Gen X

    No word for this one yet.

- Boomer · this one

    the man

- Plain English

    authority figures or the establishment seen as controlling ordinary people

// the shop [Shop LOST IN TRANSLATION shirts and hoodies for families who speak two kinds of slang](https://genzdecoded.com/shop/)

## Related slang

- [tea](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/tea/): Gossip or the latest dramatic news.
- [the 411](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/the-411/): Information, news, or gossip.
- [the skinny](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/the-skinny/): Inside information, news, or gossip.
- [throwing shade](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/throwing-shade/): Throwing shade is often used to describe subtle insults or criticisms, typically indirect.

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