Correction, Tolkien uses 'man' for 'human' in general, following Old English semantics.

More accurately it'd be, "are you were or wife?"

Thus it came to the ears of Hobbiton that a guest was come, who asked of Pippin whether, as one of the Men, he was a were or wife. "Neither", Pippin declared: "I am an Hobbit". But the visitor was yet unwilling to yield, and asked once more which was the matter below his belt. "Food, I suppose, my sir; elevensies, lunch, and possibly an afternoon meal, if I will."