bully boy

• bullyboy, bully-boy

bully boy (plural bully boys)

1. A tough, aggressive man, especially one who is young.
   • 1953 Aug. 17, "Italy: The Mills of Justice," Time:

     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."

2. (dated) A familiar male associate who is regarded rather fondly, especially one who is spirited and genial.
   • 1878, Horatio Alger, chapter 19, in The Young Adventurer:

     "Then, boys, here's to the health of Mr. Ferguson. He's a bully boy, and no coward."

   • 1920, Jeffery Farnol, The Geste of Duke Jocelyn, Fytte 5:

     "For troth I'm a merry dog, I—a wanton wag, a bully boy and jovial, though woeful o' look!"

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

• Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. (1989).