bullyboy
bullyboy Lexical Profile
bullyboy Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Characterized by aggressive intimidation, bluster, or domineering force (usually used before a noun, especially in reference to tactics or politics).
"The union leaders accused the management of using bullyboy tactics to force employees into accepting the new contract."
• noun
A noisy, aggressive, or domineering person, especially a hired thug or ruffian who intimidates others.
"The corrupt official surrounded himself with a gang of political bullyboys to silence any local opposition."
A jovial, dashing, or spirited fellow; a good comrade (archaic).
"In the tavern scene of the seventeenth-century play, the captain greets his companions as merry bullyboys."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used before a noun, as in "bullyboy tactics," it is frequently hyphenated as "bully-boy" in British and formal journalism.
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 16th century as a compound of "bully" (originally a term of endearment meaning "sweetheart" or "fine fellow" before shifting to mean "blusterer") and "boy." In the 17th century, it referred to a jovial, spirited companion before taking on its modern sense of a hired thug or intimidator.