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

Guto and Rhys, from Cardiff, said adopting their five-year old boy had brought joy to their lives.

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times

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

“I just want to make sure I can make enough money to create a good life for my child,” said Yulia, a 26-year-old self-employed house cleaner and mother of a two-year old boy.

From Seattle Times