(British)

A devotee of military exercises or strenu- ous physical activities, or someone who makes a show of (relentless) energy. The term is applied derisively, originally by members of the armed forces to unpopular or excessively gung-ho colleagues, and now by extension to anyone who is showily or mindlessly macho. The satirical magazine Private Eye referred to Prince Andrew by this name in 1986 and 1987. The origin of this piece of sarcasm is the 'Action Man' doll – a poseable com- mando scale model in full kit sold to chil- dren in Britain since the 1960s. (British)

'Right little action man i'n' 'e? 'E simply wants to be prepared when the east wind blows 'ot.' (Minder, British TV series, 1988)