Introduction
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to refer to someone you don’t know? The English language is full of slang terms and expressions to describe a total stranger.
1. Random
The term ‘random’ is often used to refer to a total stranger, someone you have no connection with. It’s commonly used in phrases like, ‘some random guy on the street.’
2. Outsider
Another slang term for a total stranger is ‘outsider.’ This term suggests a sense of being separate or different from a particular group or community. For example, ‘I felt like an outsider at the party.’
3. Alien
When we say someone is an ‘alien,’ we are not referring to beings from outer space but rather to someone who is completely foreign or unknown to us. This term is often used to describe total strangers in a playful or lighthearted way.
4. Mystery Person
Describing someone as a ‘mystery person’ implies that there is a sense of intrigue or curiosity surrounding them. It suggests that this individual is an enigma, someone whose identity or motives are unknown.
5. Joe Schmo
‘Joe Schmo’ is a colloquial term used to refer to an average, ordinary person, often in a mocking or dismissive manner. It’s a way of emphasizing the anonymity or insignificance of a total stranger.
Case Studies
In a recent study, researchers found that people are more likely to trust information provided by a friend than by a total stranger. This highlights the importance of building relationships and establishing trust in both personal and professional settings.
Examples
- “I was waiting for the bus when some random guy started talking to me.”
- “She felt like an outsider at her new school until she made some friends.”
- “I have no idea who that mystery person is sitting at the next table.”
Conclusion
Slang terms for total strangers can vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the individual in question. These terms reflect the complexity of human interactions and the ways in which we categorize and perceive others in our daily lives.
