bugboy

[ buhg-boi ]

noun

, Horse Racing Slang.

1. an apprentice jockey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bugboy¹

bug ¹ (weight allowance) + boy

Example Sentences

Lopez, who had tremendous success down south as a bugboy in 2016, also competed with Russell Baze for the leading Northern California rider spot in 2015.

From Los Angeles Times

He was riding "bugboy light," a 5-lb.. weight allowance granted apprentice jockeys.

From Time Magazine Archive

All the gifts, the marvelous, balanced seat, the head filled with horse sense and a ticking clock, the wonderful, knowing hands of the bugboy had been fused with the courage of the race rider.

From Time Magazine Archive