bullyboy

American  

[bool-ee-boi] / ˈbʊl iˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. a ruffian or hired hoodlum, especially one working for or associated with a political group.

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bullyboy British  

/ ˈbʊlɪˌbɔɪ /

noun

1. 1. a ruffian or tough, esp a hired one

   2. ( as modifier )

      bullyboy tactics

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Etymology

Origin of bullyboy

First recorded in 1600–10; bully ¹ + boy

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bullyboy

He insists to this day that the Review-Journal’s new owner – “The bullyboy of Las Vegas Boulevard” – solely intended to make an example of him.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 23, 2015

The National Farmers' Union, which lobbied the government to appoint the ombudsman, has accused the big supermarkets of "bullyboy tactics" by trying to renegotiate contracts and reduce prices.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 16, 2010

In the past, the army had dominated Philippine elections as the bullyboy of the politicians in power.

From Time Magazine Archive

By the time the committee got around last week to key votes, sore-boned members realized that Zagri had adapted for the lobbying craft the bullyboy methods that Teamsters made famous in trade unionism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Since they will offer neither new arguments nor new facts, the four memorandums represent only a tentative response to the latest and most worrisome of Soviet bullyboy operations.

From Time Magazine Archive