fugleman means the member of a military group who leads the way or demonstrates drill; hence, someone who keeps the beat or timing, and/or demonstrates motions in other contexts. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “fugleman” is a great word
FUGLEMAN — [Noun] A leader by demonstrative example, originally a soldier positioned on the flank to model drill movements; by extension, any exemplary ringleader. From earlier flugleman, from German Flügelmann, from Flügel ("a wing, flank, file") + Mann ("man"). Unlike a mouthpiece, which merely vocalizes another's thoughts, or a drill sergeant, who commands from a formal office, the fugleman's authority flows from performative precision. He is the flawless rifleman whose motions the platoon mirrors, the charismatic activist whose raised fist pulls a hundred more into the air, the first dancer on an empty floor who by sheer conviction seeds a revelry—a testament that influence begins not with a command, but with a copyable gesture.
noun
- The member of a military group who leads the way or demonstrates drill; hence, someone who keeps the beat or timing, and/or demonstrates motions in other contexts.“A "Haka" is the native dance, answering to the corroboree of the Australian aboriginals, and we were anxious to see it. […] Later in the evening, however, the complaisant Herekiekie entertained a small and select party at a "Haka" in his "whare" or house (pronounced wharry). It was exactly what I expected. The performers, all male, stood in a row, one, slightly advanced, acting as fugleman. They s”
- A political leader, or a ringleader.