bully boy
noun1
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.
- "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:
- "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
- Synonyms
- leg-breaker, ruffian, thug, buddy, chum, good old boy, pal