Dictionary

bully boy en · NOUN

Meanings

1. A tough, aggressive man, especially one who is young.
   • Back in the Mussolini era, Carlo Corbisiero, part-time barber, brawler and bully boy of the village of Marzano di Nola, near Naples, was pretty proud of his nickname—"Crackshot." 1953 August 17, “Italy: The Mills of Justice”, in Time:
2. (dated) A familiar male associate who is regarded rather fondly, especially one who is spirited and genial.
   • "For troth I'm a merry dog, I—a wanton wag, a bully boy and jovial, though woeful o' look!" 1920, Jeffery Farnol, The Geste of Duke Jocelyn, Fytte 5
   • "Then, boys, here's to the health of Mr. Ferguson. He's a bully boy, and no coward." 1878, Horatio Alger, chapter 19, in The Young Adventurer:

Forms

Synonyms

leg-breaker (tough, aggressive man) · ruffian (tough, aggressive man) · thug (tough, aggressive man) · good old boy (familiar male associate) · buddy (familiar male associate) · pal (familiar male associate) · chum (familiar male associate)