old boy

[ ohld boi ohld boi ohld boi ]

noun

1. Informal. an adult male, especially a Southerner. Compare good old boy.
2. a lively elderly man.
3. Chiefly British. an alumnus, especially of a boys' preparatory or public school.
4. Chiefly British. old chap.

old boy

noun

1. sometimes capitals a male ex-pupil of a school
2. informal.
   1. a familiar name used to refer to a man
   2. an old man

Word History and Origins

Origin of old boy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

And a run-in with racist good old boys, inspiring a Reba McEntire cover of the film’s theme song, makes for another memorable scene.

From New York Times

“I’m glad I made it. The old boy upstairs took care of me,” he said, gesturing skyward.

From Seattle Times

"I've been down to my local bar with these old boys saying 'see that skateboarding on the TV, how do you do that?'" he said.

From BBC

Among the allegations reviewed by the committee was the January 2021 arrest of a 15-year old boy by Israeli Border Police.

From Salon

Mansfield old boy Alastair Smith has a clear sight of goal after Jordan Bowery is robbed of the ball by Jayden Fevrier as he tries to shepherd the ball out of play.

From BBC