tough guy

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.

tough guy

A particularly strong, resolute, fearless, and independent man who does not show weakness or emotion and does not rely on or bow down to others. Hyphenated if used as a modifier before a noun. The best tough guys in cinema are those who aren't invincible, but find still find a way to win against all odds. John's always putting on this tough-guy façade, but I know that deep down he's a bit of a coward.

See also: guy, tough

tough guy

a strong and severe man; a man who might be part of the underworld. He was your typical tough guy—jutting chin, gruff voice—but he was just our decorator checking up on the drapes. So, you want to be a tough guy, huh?

See also: guy, tough

a ˈtough guy

(informal) a strong, independent-minded person who seems to be afraid of nothing: The most famous ‘tough guy’ in American movies was John Wayne.

See also: guy, tough

tough guy

n. a tough man; a man who might be part of the underworld. He was your typical tough guy—jutting chin, gruff voice—but he was just our decorator checking up on the drapes. So, you want to be a tough guy, huh?

See also: guy, tough

References in periodicals archive ?

Competitors take on the world's most demanding survival ordeal, the Tough Guy challenge in Perton, Wolverhampton

When the going gets tough..

Jamie is supposed to be a tough guy but he bottled it.

Soap & Glory: 'Tough' Jack turns out to be a queasy Ryder

It's a bill even a Tough Guy on Crime should be willing to sign.

CELL-BLOCKED MEDIA

The Tough Guy challenge, described as "the original and toughest in the world," takes place at a farm in Perton near Wolverhampton every February.

Sting in tail for tough guys

The annual Tough Guy event will see 7,000 competitors from across the globe take on the gruelling assault course.

Hubby gets tough in memory of his wife

competitor runs through fire during the Tough Guy Challenge endurance race

Heat is on for contestants in the global Mr Tough Guy contest

Entrepreneurs Lee Kemp, Colin White and James Villarreal took on the Tough Guy challenge

Trio complete tough course

The actor previously revealed that he plays up to his tough guy persona when it comes to who his three daughters go out with.

Drunks try to fight me says Bruce; TOUGH GUY

But Vinnie, well known as a tough guy on and off the pitch, hasn't gone soft on us as he will play the mobster in the movie, aptly named Brick.

Hard guy Vinnie in rom-com role

Summary: Britain's leading screen tough guy Jason Statham is back for Crank: High Voltage.

Crank is back for a second time

CASSIDY Coventry Blaze have brought in ENL tough guy Andrew Sharp on a two-way contract.

Ice Hockey: Sharp given a tough job

London's Inspector Brant is the sarcastic, rules-breaking, tough guy no one wants to mess with.

Bruen, Ken. Calibre

And Haysbert may just usurp his former ``24'' co-star Kiefer Sutherland for the title of TV's most unflappable tough guy.

BATTLES OVER THERE -- AND AT HOME

Maxie is a pretty tough guy in his own right, I grew up playing hockey with him in Canada,' said Cairns.

Bruiser Cairns prepared to take on the Devils

The jailed tough guy has sent the Harry Marsden Boxing Club in Kenton a cheque for pounds 1,000 - half for them and half to be donated to charities of their choice.