fella

American  

[fel-uh] / ˈfɛl ə /

noun

Informal.

fellas plural

1. fellow.

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fella British  

/ ˈfɛlə /

noun

1. a nonstandard variant of fellow

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Usage

What does fella mean? Fella is a very informal way of saying fellow—a general term for a man or boy. Fella can be used as an informal term of address similar to terms like dude, buddy, or pal, as in Hey, fella, what’s new with you? In this way, it’s perhaps most commonly used to refer to or address a male animal, especially a pet, as in Hey, little fella, you’re the cutest!It can also be used by a man to refer to himself, as in Where can a fella find a hot meal around here?Most senses of fella (and fellow) sound old-timey and aren’t commonly used (other than to sound old-timey). However, the plural form, fellas, is somewhat commonly used, especially by men or boys as an informal and familiar way to refer to their male friends (the fellas) or as a way to address them, in much the same way as the term guys. Fella is also used in the informal phrase big fella, referring to a particularly large man or object, as in He’s a big fella, ain’t he?Example: Jen’s having a night out with the ladies, so I’m going to stay here and hang with the fellas.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• fellas
  plural

Etymology

Origin of fella

cf. feller ¹

Example Sentences

“Obviously, today was big for us so we can get Big Fella healthy,” Harden said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2023

The slippers are a size nine, which is notable as Collins was known as "the Big Fella".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2021

I worry a lot about who will inherit Big Fella if I pop my clogs.

From The Guardian • Jan. 5, 2020

Jane Leavy also comes on the show to discuss her Babe Ruth biography, The Big Fella.

From Slate • Dec. 24, 2018

“The Bully Boy. You know the one. The politician from New York. Fella shot his wife’s lover. The Barton Key affair. You’ve heard of it?”

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara