noun

bagman

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Bagman (noun) means someone who secretly collects or delivers money for bribery or other illicit payments. Example: “The investigation revealed the councilman had used a bagman to collect kickbacks from contractors.”

noun

Someone who secretly collects or delivers money for bribery or other illicit payments.

"The accused are only the latest in a string of alleged bagmen, vote-riggers and ward-heelers charged with wrongdoing." — James Graff, In France, a Vintage Chirac Scandal is Uncorked (2006)

"The investigation revealed the councilman had used a bagman to collect kickbacks from contractors."

A traveling salesman who carries samples of his goods from town to town.

"In the 1950s, the bagman would visit every shop in the county with his sample case."

How to use bagman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who handles money — often shady money — on behalf of someone else, or an old-fashioned traveling salesman.

When to use it

The "bribery courier" sense is common in journalism and crime reporting; it carries a distinctly negative connotation.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bagmen

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Fill the gap

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The investigation revealed the councilman had used a _____ to collect kickbacks from contractors.

Etymology

A compound of bag and man, originally describing someone who literally carried a bag of goods or money.

Synonyms

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roadman traveling salesman travelling salesman commercial traveler commercial traveller

Related words

roadman

Frequently asked questions

What does “bagman” mean?

The word “bagman” means someone who secretly collects or delivers money for bribery or other illicit payments. In plain terms, someone who handles money — often shady money — on behalf of someone else, or an old-fashioned traveling salesman.

How do you use “bagman” in a sentence?

Here is “bagman” used in a sentence: “The investigation revealed the councilman had used a bagman to collect kickbacks from contractors.”

What part of speech is “bagman”?

“Bagman” is a noun.

How many meanings does “bagman” have?

“Bagman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who secretly collects or delivers money for bribery or other illicit payments.

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