around the way

adverb & adjective

Etymology

The adverb is formed by compounding the preposition around + the adjective the + the noun way. See OED around, prep., the, adj., way, n.1. Compare OED around the way, adv. The adjective is formed by conversion of the adverb around the way. See ODAAE around the way, OED around the way, adv. Compare OED around the way, adj.

Meaning & use

adverb

  1. 2003–Nearby. Also, in a person's own neighborhood or city.
    Show quotationsHide quotations
    2003
    That's a good way to lose business, what with a shop just around the way.
    C. Fairbairn With Sound of Sea 2004 i. i. 10
    2005
    Some you grew up with, around the way, and you're still real close to this very day.
    D. Hudson Pheasant Shooting vi. 92
    2010
    Let's hear it for the girl, she's from around the way.
    A. J. Valente Rag Paper Manuf. U.S. xiv. 186
    2015
    He had a barber from around the way who edged him up every other day.
    Nightshift Oxford November 12/1
    2020
    If you ever come down to Amana colonies I'll tour with you. I live around the way but have never experienced it
    MailOnline Nexis 1 March

adjective

  1. 2004–Describing a person who lives in a predominantly Black, working-class community and who is considered relatable and familiar. Frequently in the phrase around the way girl.
    Show quotationsHide quotations
    2004
    Though Sanaa Lathan was absolutely beautiful, she played an around-the-way-girl, a tomboy like me.
    T. M. Devine Scotland Empire & Shaping Americas 1600–1815 xiii. 318
    2006
    I want a good guy who's not outta touch... lol an around the way guy ? 😂 why are there no descriptors for men like that?
    M. W. Jackson Harmonious Triads 300
    2021
    I need an around the way girl, that's the one for me.
    Sojourners U.S. February 41/2
    2023
    But a very different girl showed up at the BHA meetings, a pretend around the way girl, who cocked her hip as she stood, rolled on the edges of her feet to sweep her hips from side to side.
    Environmental Sci. & Pollution Research 30 49843/1

See also