Mac

The word “Mac” means an informal way to address a man whose name you don't know. In plain terms, either a casual way to call out to a man, or shorthand for an Apple Mac computer.

“Mac” is pronounced mak (/mæk/ in IPA).

Here is “Mac” used in a sentence: “"Hey, mac, you dropped your wallet!".”

“Mac” is a noun.

“Mac” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Mac” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal way to address a man whose name you don't know.

Mac is very informal and a little old-fashioned. It is used to address a man whose name you don't know, often in a blunt or brisk tone — 'Hey, Mac, you dropped this.' It sounds most natural in American English and can come across as either friendly or slightly confrontational depending on delivery.

You might hear it from a stranger getting your attention: 'Watch where you're going, Mac.' It works like 'buddy,' 'pal,' or 'chief' — a generic stand-in for a man's name. It belongs to casual, spoken English and would look out of place in formal or written contexts.

Both address a man you don't know, but the tone differs. 'Buddy' usually sounds friendlier and more neutral, while 'Mac' can feel curter or more confrontational. 'Mac' is also more dated and distinctly American, whereas 'buddy,' 'pal,' and 'mate' are used more widely today.