little man

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letters)

1. the common or ordinary person.
2. Informal. the small, ordinary investor, as opposed to big investment institutions.

little man

noun

1. a man of no importance or significance
2. a tradesman or artisan operating on a small scale

Word History and Origins

Origin of little man¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

A teenager in Nicaragua sees a frightening little man in a hat and dozens of other kids in school start having similar apparitions.

From Nautilus

A recent peer reviewed study in Energy Science and Engineering entitled, “How green is blue hydrogen,” explains why the little man behind the curtain really should get some attention.

From Voice of San Diego

Last season, the ageing little man carried a mediocre Barcelona team to third place in the Spanish league and within sight of the title.

From Time

“We’re very emotionally invested in this little man,” echoed Beeding.

From Washington Post

You think they can, but it’s like dealing with a little man.

From Essence.com

Lester is a strange little man alone in a cabin, not far from The Tramp locked in his cabin in The Gold Rush.

From The Daily Beast

I felt like Dorothy when she gets to Oz and realizes that the wizard is just a sad little man putting on a show.

From The Daily Beast

Onlookler Sarah Wood, a student at St John's college, who was holding James, said: 'She said 'hello cute little man''.

From The Daily Beast

He really is beneath contempt—a gruesome little man and smug as a boot.

From The Daily Beast

More shuffling, another number was called and the cops began bundling the little man out.

From The Daily Beast

Don't you see him right behind that little man in yellow who is carrying a big blue flag?

From Project Gutenberg

"Gently, gently, little man," said the visitor turning Black Sheep's face to the light slowly.

From Project Gutenberg

The little man licked his lips appreciatively and returned to the doorway below the premises of Kazmah.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a fat little man who sat habitually with a hand on either knee, which he clawed absently both in conversation and thought.

From Project Gutenberg

In a few minutes, a smart little man, speaking tolerable French, came and told me the government desired my company.

From Project Gutenberg