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

“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

I don't think I ever received an A. I don't think I ever even received an attaboy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2014

Int. keep it up!, go to it!, right away!, right on!, attaboy!,

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark