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.

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.

3. A nice, pleasant male. He's a good old boy, sure, but there's just no chemistry between us.

See also: boy, good, old

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 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.