Dictionary

A. N. Other en · PROPN

Etymology

From another, punctuating the initials and surname.

Meanings

1. (British, English) A formulaic name that is substituted for that of a person whose name or identity is not known, or not relevant; typically used when exhibiting an example.
   • Take the following as an example, imagining yourself as a member of the general public, and compare example A with example B. Example A A.N. Other Dip Nut. FHT Example B Angela N. Other Diploma in Nutrition and Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists 2005, Helen Beckman, Suzanne Le Quesne, The Essential Guide to Holistic and Complementary Therapy, page 435:
   • HJP (“Douglas”) Arnold has expressed the regret that there was only one distant shot of Neil Armstrong near the LM. […] How could Armstrong forget, what about the list of assignments, the mission timeline? Or was he not there? And if he was not there, then was there an actornaut or A N Other astronaut in that pressurised suit? 1999, Mary Bennett, David S. Percy, “Photo Call”, in Dark Moon: Apollo and the Whistle-Blowers, Kempton, IL: Adventures Unlimited Press, published 2002, →ISBN, page 49:
   • The broker, having arranged the deal, sends to Mr A. N. Other, or to the bank acting for him, a contract note (Figure 21.5). 1983, Jack Harvey, Modern Economics: An Introduction for Business and Professional Students, page 300:
   • For instance, how is the statement ‘A. N. Other is going to win the lottery the next time he plays’ to be evaluated if A. N. Other never plays again for the rest of his life? 1975, Bruno de Finetti, Theory of Probability: A Critical Introductory Treatment, page 62:

Forms