REMITTANCE MAN Meaning and
Definition
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A "remittance man" refers to an individual, usually a male, who receives a regular allowance or remittance provided by their family or relatives, typically from a wealthier social background, to maintain a certain standard of living abroad. The term originated in the 19th century and was commonly used in British society.
The remittance man was often sent away due to a variety of reasons, such as scandalous behavior, personal failures, or to prevent family embarrassment. The financial support given to the remittance man was meant to ensure their sustained absence or to keep them from causing trouble back home.
Remittance men were often sent to distant colonies, such as Canada, Australia, or South Africa, where they would reside in a specific region or town known for hosting individuals of similar circumstance. They were expected to live modestly and not engage in any productive labor or seek employment, making their luxurious lifestyle funded purely by remittances.
The societal perception surrounding remittance men was generally not favorable, as they were seen as idle, wasteful, and contributing little to the local economy. Their existence became a subject of curiosity, gossip, or ridicule within these communities.
Over time, the term "remittance man" has evolved beyond its original definition and can now be used more broadly to describe an individual who receives regular financial support without having to work for it, independent of gender or location.
Common Misspellings for REMITTANCE MAN
- eemittance man
- demittance man
- femittance man
- temittance man
- 5emittance man
- 4emittance man
- rwmittance man
- rsmittance man
- rdmittance man
- rrmittance man
- r4mittance man
- r3mittance man
- renittance man
- rekittance man
- rejittance man
- remuttance man
- remjttance man
- remkttance man
- remottance man
Etymology of REMITTANCE MAN
The term "remittance man" originated in the 19th century and was primarily used in British English. The word "remittance" refers to a sum of money sent as payment or gift, typically from one country to another.
The term "remittance man" was used to describe a person, usually a young man, who was sent a regular allowance or remittance from his family or patrons while living abroad, often in a British colony or dominion. These individuals were usually sent away due to family embarrassment, disgrace, or to remove them from social or family obligations.
The word "man" in this context refers to a person, regardless of their gender. It was commonly used to describe individuals who were financially dependent on the remittance and therefore were not required to work or contribute to society.
The term remittance man was often associated with notions of idleness, irresponsibility, and an inability to support oneself.
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