attaboy

American  

[at-uh-boi] / ˈæt əˌbɔɪ /

interjection

Informal.

1. (used as an enthusiastic expression of encouragement or approval to a boy, man, or male animal.)

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attaboy British  

/ ˈætəˌbɔɪ /

1. slang an expression of approval or exhortation

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Usage

What does attaboy mean? Attaboy is an informal expression of enthusiastic praise or encouragement addressed to boys, men, and male animals (such as one’s dog). Attaboy is an interjection, meaning it’s a term used to express emotion, often outside of a sentence. The term attagirl can be used in the same way to address girls, women, and female animals. Such terms are generally used as a way to cheer someone on, similar to saying “Great job!” or “Way to go!” For example, coaches or parents might say it to a child playing a sport after they’ve done something particularly good. Attaboy is sometimes used as a noun referring to a statement of praise, as in The boss doesn’t usually give out attaboys like that, so he must be pretty impressed.  Example: Attaboy, Ben! Great catch!

Etymology

Origin of attaboy

1905–10, alleged to be a reduced form of that's a boy or that's the boy

Example Sentences

In the jubilant Atlanta clubhouse after the win, Arcia reportedly cracked, “ha-ha, attaboy, Harper.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 11, 2023

I gave Chip Kelly an attaboy for landing 6-foot-9, five-star recruit Adem Bona until The Times’ clarified that Bona was targeted for the basketball team.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2021

“That happens to me a lot,” Ryan added, referring to his post-TV attaboy.

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2018

Get this: After Kennedy’s cutdown of Petersen lit up the airwaves, Trump called the senator with an attaboy.

From Washington Post • Dec. 22, 2017

When I play good pieces so people cry hearing my accordion music, then I put my fingers over and feel of the rabbit’s diamond chin on his diamond toenails, ‘Attaboy, li’l bunny, attaboy, li’l bunny.’

From Rootabaga Stories by Petersham, Maud Fuller