second-story man

noun

1. a burglar who enters through an upstairs window.

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-story man¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

And so comes, as sure as the city’s other countless rites of summer, the “second-story man,” a thief, nicknamed more than a century ago, who breaks into upper-story apartments by way of windows left open to the breeze.

From New York Times

In Williamsburg, as the season of the second-story man begins, Detective Panagopoulos gave no-nonsense advice to residents — “Lock your windows” — and said the nickname was flawed.

From New York Times

A Season of Open Windows, and the Second-Story Man He left the apartment that Wednesday morning as he did every other day, planning on getting some work done on a book he was writing.

From New York Times

This old badger stuff isn't my regular line; in my day I was called the best second-story man in New York, and I could turn a good trick now if I needed to.

From Project Gutenberg

"Not on your life," answered Mills with conviction, "but if you ever require the services of a first-class robber, second-story man and I dare say murderer, why he kindly gave me his name and address, and I shall be delighted to bring two such congenial spirits together."

From Project Gutenberg