boy
boy Lexical Profile
boy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A male child or youth, from birth to adulthood.
"The young boy spent the afternoon reading adventure stories beneath the shade of the oak tree."
A male child in relation to his parents; a son.
"They are proud parents of two boys and a girl, all of whom attend the local elementary school."
An adult man, especially when referred to informally as part of a friendly group, team, or social circle (usually in the plural).
"He meets up with the boys from his college rowing team every autumn for a weekend reunion."
• interjection
Used to express mild surprise, excitement, enthusiasm, or emphasis.
"Boy, that was one of the most challenging exams I have ever taken!"
Word Nuance & Usage
When used to address a grown man, 'boy' can be perceived as patronizing or offensive, and it carries deeply racist and derogatory historical connotations when directed at Black men.
• Rhymes for boy
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English boye, originally meaning 'male servant, knave, or page' before shifting to 'male child' in the 14th century; likely of West Germanic origin and related to East Frisian boi ('young gentleman').