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boy

/bɔːə/

When referring to a child, 'boy' is the standard term. However, be careful using it for adult men in professional settings, as it can sound condescending. In some cultures and historical contexts, calling an adult man a 'boy' is considered highly offensive or racist, as it was used to imply inferiority. When used among close friends (e.g., 'the boys'), it is a casual term of endearment and camaraderie.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a high-rise office, Victoria is dealing with a budget crisis.

Mr. Sterling

Victoria, my inner boy just wants to play with the company's seed funding.

Victoria

Cut it out. We are bleeding cash and need a real strategy.

💡

Mr. Sterling uses 'boy' to refer to his immature, impulsive side (a metaphorical inner child), while Victoria uses the phrasal verb 'cut it out' (stop doing something annoying) and the idiom 'bleeding cash' (losing money rapidly) to shut down his eccentricity.

Meanings

noun

A male child or adolescent.

"The young boy played with his toy cars in the sandbox."

noun

A male person, used informally to refer to a friend or a peer regardless of age.

"I'm going out for drinks with the boys tonight."

noun

A male servant or attendant (historically common; now often considered offensive).

"The wealthy estate owner had a house boy to run errands."

Examples

That boy needs to stop jumping on the sofa right now!

I'm just heading out with the boys for a few beers.

Look at that little boy, he looks just like his father!

Who is this boy and why is he in my room?

The boy at the store was so rude to me!

He is such a good boy, always helping with chores.

Wait, you're actually bringing that boy to the wedding?

The boy is playing with his blocks in the corner.

Last Updated: May 21, 2026•Report an Error