finger man

noun

, Slang.

1. a person who points out someone to be murdered, robbed, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of finger man¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

“But I mean everybody expects him to just be exactly the same when he’s playing with a busted finger, man. I mean, that’s amazing that he can even throw the darn thing. I think he’s back flying and going.”

From Los Angeles Times

Although finger-breaking was illegal, a wrestler became known as “Finger Man” for his habit of crushing his opponents’ digits at the beginning of each fight.

From Slate

"Girra's finger man, eh?" called back Engel softly.

From Project Gutenberg

When Sir Anthony meets the finger man he says blandly, "We always wondered how long it would be before you turned us in."

From Time Magazine Archive

Except for his Doulous � The Finger Man, an atmospheric thriller that appeared in 1964, Jean-Pierre Melville's work has been little seen in this country.

From Time Magazine Archive