Good ol' boy

Good ol' boy or good old boy is an American English slang term that can have both positive and negative meanings, depending on context and use.^[1] The term is commonplace in the Southern United States. The same phrase with purely positive connotations is used in part of England.

In the United States

Positive aspects

The term can be used for well socialized men who live in rural and generally Southern areas. If a man is humble and well thought of, he can be referred to as a good old boy, regardless of his age.

It is also commonly applied to men from a family with multi-generational wealth or prestige, or to men who behave like a Southern gentleman.

Negative aspects

Pejoratively, the phrase can often suggest a man with an anti-intellectual bias or some other intolerant viewpoint.^[1]

The phrase also can refer negatively to someone who engages in cronyism among men who have known each other for a long period of time. Collectively, these people are referred to as a good ol' boy network, or an old boys' club.

In England

The term is also used in parts of England, where it refers to a likeable man, typically of middle age or older. In certain countries in the Commonwealth, including the UK, an old boy network or club has a very different meaning involving alumni.

Other uses

The term can also refer to the mixed drink which is a combination of equal parts rum and root beer, typically in large quantities.

Notes

1 2 The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 2009. p. 757. ISBN 0-618-70172-9. OCLC 535837910. n. Slang: A man having qualities held to be characteristic of certain Southern white males, such as a relaxed or informal manner, strong loyalty to family and friends, and often an anti-intellectual bias and intolerant point of view.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

[Am-1] 1 2 The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 2009. p. 757. ISBN 0-618-70172-9. OCLC 535837910. n. Slang: A man having qualities held to be characteristic of certain Southern white males, such as a relaxed or informal manner, strong loyalty to family and friends, and often an anti-intellectual bias and intolerant point of view.