good old boy

good old boy

1. In the Southern US, a white man considered to have the qualities associated with traditional conservative Southern masculine culture, including an easygoing demeanor and a generally conservative worldview. The term is applied either positively or negatively, depending on how one views such a culture. Jefferson is a good old boy—you can trust him to uphold our values. Great, just what we need—another good old boy elected to office. She's not from around these parts, so she doesn't understand how good old boys like us operate.

2. A male who is part of a very loyal social group. Of course he only hires his friends—he's a good old boy. What do you expect? Just know that if you marry a good old boy, you're marrying his friends, too. You'll never be able to get any of those good old boys to testify against each other.

3. A nice, pleasant male. He's a good old boy, sure, but there's just no chemistry between us. I'm sure your friend is a good old boy—I just need a break from the blind dates right now. Oh yeah, I've met Andrew before. He's a good old boy, so, sure, he can come along with us.

See also: boy, good, old

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

good old boy

 and good ole boy

Rur. a good guy; a dependable companion. Old Tom is a good old boy. He'll help. One of these good ole boys will give you a hand.

See also: boy, good, old

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

good old boy

and good ole boy

n. a good guy; a dependable companion. (Folksy.) Old Tom is a good old boy. He’ll help.

See also: boy, good, old

good ole boy

verb

See good old boy

See also: boy, good, olé

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.