bullyboy

American  

[bool-ee-boi] / ˈbʊl iˌbɔɪ /

noun

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

---

bullyboy British  

/ ˈbʊlɪˌbɔɪ /

noun

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

   2. ( as modifier )

      bullyboy tactics

---

Etymology

Origin of bullyboy

First recorded in 1600–10; bully ¹ + boy

Example Sentences

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

The initial run starred doe-eyed, victim-like Aidan Quinn; he is now appearing off-Broadway in Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, and Peter Aylward plays the role, in striking contrast, as a robustly funny bullyboy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Only a few years after Chavez had won that victory, however, the Teamsters Union moved into the California fields, using greater resources and occasionally bullyboy harassment.

From Time Magazine Archive

On trial last week in Havana's grim La Caba�a fortress was Rolando Cubela Secades, 33, Fidel Castro's former chief student organizer and gun-slinging bullyboy for the University of Havana.

From Time Magazine Archive