The phrase "second story man" refers to a burglar who typically targets the upper floors of buildings. The spelling of this phrase can be perplexing, but it follows the rules of English phonetics. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is transcribed as /ˈsɛkənd ˈstɔːri mæn/. The "c" in "second" is pronounced as a /k/ sound, while the "o" in "story" is pronounced as a /ɔː/ sound. To properly pronounce this phrase, emphasis should be placed on the second syllable of both "second" and "story" and the final syllable of "man".
A "second story man" is a term used to describe a skilled and adept burglar or thief who specializes in breaking into houses or buildings through windows located on higher levels, typically the second floor. This term originates from the practice of such criminals targeting upper-story windows, as opposed to the more common ground-floor entrances, in order to avoid detection and enhance their chances of successful theft.
Considered a staple character in crime fiction, a second story man possesses exceptional climbing skills, nimbleness, and dexterity, enabling them to scale walls or use various available means to access upper-level windows. This criminal is known for their ability to bypass security measures and enter buildings undetected, often during the night when inhabitants are asleep or away.
The term "second story man" implies a level of sophistication in criminal behavior, as it indicates a deliberate and strategic approach to committing theft. It suggests that these individuals carefully plan their heists and possess the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate complex security systems.
While the term historically refers to burglars targeting windows on the second floor, it can also be used more broadly to describe burglars who target any upper-floor windows. In essence, a second story man is an adept thief who operates with precision and cunning in order to carry out their illicit activities.