good old boy

noun

, Informal.

1. a male who embodies the unsophisticated good fellowship and sometimes boisterous sociability regarded as typical of white males of small towns and rural areas of the South.
2. a person who belongs to a network of friends and associates with close ties of loyalty and mutual support.

Other Words From

• good old boyism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of good old boy¹

First recorded in 1970–75

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

Other employees reported discrimination against women who were pregnant and a persistent “good old boys club” that blocked others from opportunity.

From Seattle Times

When Lorraine first meets Indira, several episodes before she sits down with those good old boys, all she can see is a civil servant in debt up to her eyeballs.

From Salon

Mr. Gallego said that if the military appears as “like a good old boys network,” it’s less likely to get some qualified people.

From Washington Times

Her unorthodox methods cost her important committee posts, but Schroeder said she wasn’t willing to join what she called “the good old boys’ club″ just to score political points.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• hick
• hillbilly