bosom buddy

[ booz-uhm buhd-ee ]

noun

, plural bos·om bud·dies.

1. a close or intimate friend; bosom friend:

   I didn't lack for friends, but had no particular bosom buddy.

   Since third grade she and I have been kindred spirits and bosom buddies.

2. a nefarious associate or co-conspirator:

   After the Soviet takeover in 1920, the building was occupied by one of Stalin's bosom buddies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bosom buddy¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Related Words

• acquaintance
• ally
• associate
• buddy
• classmate
• colleague
• companion
• cousin
• partner
• roommate