stick it to the man: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stick it to the man’ mean?
The idiom "stick it to the man" means to rebel against authority or challenge the status quo in a defiant or confrontational manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tell someone where to shove it" means to angrily reject or dismiss someone or something, often with hostility or contempt.
The idiom "take a stand" means to publicly express one's opinion or position on a certain issue, often in a bold and assertive manner.
The idiom "suck it up" means to accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining or showing weakness. It suggests that one should endure the situation and deal with it stoically.
The idiom "suck it" is a slang expression used to dismiss or insult someone, often in a rude and aggressive manner.
The idiom "stuff it" means to forcefully or angrily tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. It is a direct and rude way of asking someone to stop speaking or expressing their opinion.
The idiom "stick with" means to continue with or remain loyal to something or someone. It implies not giving up or changing one's mind despite difficulties or temptations.
The idiom "stick up" means to rob someone or something at gunpoint or with the threat of violence. It implies forcefully demanding money or valuables from the victim. This idiom is typically used to describe criminal activities involving robbery or theft.
The idiom "stick together" means to support and stay united with a group of people, especially during difficult times.
The idiom "stick to" means to remain loyal or to adhere to a specific plan or decision.
FAIL
The idiom "stick it to the man" gained popularity in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It conveys an act of defiance or rebellion against authority figures, institutions, or societal norms. While the precise origins of the idiom remain somewhat elusive, its meaning is widely understood, particularly within American culture.
One interpretation suggests that "stick it to the man" originated from physically sticking an object, such as a note or poster, to express discontent or opposition to an establishment or a person's property. This act serves as resistance and a way to challenge authority. It's like saying, "I won't conform to your rules."
The idiom can also be linked to the idea of "sticking it" to those in power, challenging their authority or control over certain situations. The word "man" in this context does not refer to a specific gender but rather symbolizes oppressors or those in positions of authority that individuals may feel compelled to resist. It's about challenging the powers that be and standing up for what you believe in.
The idiom's popularity can be attributed to the political and social atmosphere during the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. This era witnessed widespread protests against government policies, social injustices, and various forms of oppression. The idiom "stick it to the man" became a rallying cry for individuals seeking to challenge the status quo and advocate for change. It's like saying, "We won't be silent anymore."
Expanding on its meaning, "stick it to the man" can be seen as an expression of empowerment and a call to action. It encourages individuals to resist oppressive systems or authority figures, promoting a sense of solidarity and rebellion against perceived injustices. It's about standing up for what you believe in and fighting for a better world.
Additionally, the idiom can be related to other idioms that convey similar sentiments. For example, "fly in the face of" means to actively defy or challenge someone or something. It can be used interchangeably with "stick it to the man" to emphasize the act of rebellion against authority.
Similarly, "stick to" and "stick with" can be connected to the idiom "stick it to the man." These phrases imply a sense of loyalty or perseverance in the face of adversity. When someone decides to "stick to" their beliefs or "stick with" a certain cause, they are demonstrating a commitment to their principles and a refusal to back down.
In contemporary usage, the idiom "stick it to the man" has become more lighthearted and often loses its original rebellious connotation. It is frequently employed to describe any act of defiance or victory over authority, no matter how minor. However, despite its diluted usage, the idiom still retains its essence and inherent sense of resistance against oppressive forces. It continues to serve as a reminder of the power of individual action and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice. It's like saying, "We won't let anyone or anything hold us down."
Example usage
Examples of the idiom "stick it to the man":
- After years of mistreatment, the employees decided to stick it to the man by going on strike.
- She felt empowered when she stood up for her rights and stuck it to the man by filing a lawsuit.
- The activist group planned a protest to stick it to the man and demand political change.
More "Resistance" idioms
