the man

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

Gossip or the latest dramatic news.

Information, news, or gossip.

Inside information, news, or gossip.

Throwing shade is often used to describe subtle insults or criticisms, typically indirect.