old boy

[ohld boi, ohld boi, ohld boi]

noun

1. Informal.,  an adult male, especially a Southerner.

2. a lively elderly man.

3. Chiefly British.,  an alumnus, especially of a boys' preparatory or public school.

4. Chiefly British.,  old chap.

old boy

noun

1. (sometimes capitals) a male ex-pupil of a school

2. informal

   1. a familiar name used to refer to a man

   2. an old man

Word History and Origins

Origin of old boy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605