Learn English – Word for someone you have passed by

single-word-requests

I am looking for a single noun to describe someone that you have come within 5 feet of or so, or have seen, or have crossed paths with.

The closest terms I can think of are passer-by or stranger. You may or may not know them, so stranger is not a good fit. Is there a better word than passer-by?

Why the question? I am building an app that detects other mobile devices using Bluetooth, and I need a name for the collection of these people. Initially, I was considering nearbyUsers or nearbyPeople, but once they go out of range they are no longer nearby.

What are they?

Best Answer

I really, really want you to describe these people as

Area Man

for people still nearby,

Area man likes that band you just got into

Area woman potential future wife

and

Missed Connections

for those have walked off, into the night.

Missed connection: the guy who would have opened whole new worlds of music to you

Missed connection: the only woman you would have ever loved.

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