candy man

plural candy men · alternative candy-man · alternative candyman

1. USeuphemisticslangA drug dealer.

   “So your friend was into drugs, is that what you’re saying. He’s a Candy Man. That’s some friend to have, I don’t think.” She looked puzzled. “Candy Man,” she repeated. “I don’t understand.” A Candy Man is a slang term for a drug dealer,” I explained.

   2015, John Holt, chapter 6, in The Candy Man, page 33

2. datedA person who sells sweets, especially a sidewalk or street vendor.

   "There comes the candy-man!" exclaimed a little fellow, pressing up to the side of the lady. "Quick, ma! Here, candy-man!" calling after an old man with a tin cylinder under his arm.

   1859, T. S. Arthur, chapter 18, in Trials and Confessions of a Housekeeper