be a teddy bear

To be very kind and utterly harmless, especially in contrast to one's appearance or demeanor. I know he looks tough, what with his big muscles and scary tattoos, but trust me—he's a total teddy bear. Don't worry, the dog barks around strangers, but she's a teddy bear when she knows she's safe. She wouldn't hurt a fly. A: "You say your dad's a teddy bear, but he's never seemed that way to me." B: "That's because you're dating his daughter!"

teddy boy

A young man of the mid-20th century known for his rebelliousness and interest in rock 'n' roll music and Edwardian fashion. "Ted" and "Teddy," nicknames for "Edward," refer to Britain's stylish Edward VII. Primarily heard in UK. A: "Can you believe Dad is the teddy boy in that picture? Look at him, standing outside the club, smoking!" B: "And wearing some sweet pointy shoes!"