fella

Fella is a very informal way of saying fellow—a general term for a man or boy.

Fella can be used as an informal term of address similar to terms like dude, buddy, or pal, as in Hey, fella, what’s new with you? In this way, it’s perhaps most commonly used to refer to or address a male animal, especially a pet, as in Hey, little fella, you’re the cutest!

It can also be used by a man to refer to himself, as in Where can a fella find a hot meal around here?

Most senses of fella (and fellow) sound old-timey and aren’t commonly used (other than to sound old-timey).

However, the plural form, fellas, is somewhat commonly used, especially by men or boys as an informal and familiar way to refer to their male friends (the fellas) or as a way to address them, in much the same way as the term guys.

Fella is also used in the informal phrase big fella, referring to a particularly large man or object, as in He’s a big fella, ain’t he?

Example: Jen’s having a night out with the ladies, so I’m going to stay here and hang with the fellas.

The first records of the word fella come from before the 1800s. Although it’s ultimately a variant of the word fellow, it’s thought to derive from an altered pronunciation of another variant of fellow—feller.

If it’s “guy’s night,” that means the fellas are hanging out (probably in a man cave). The singular form fella is less commonly used, unless perhaps when referring to pets. When it is, it’s often paired with an adjective, as in big fella or handsome fella.

What are some other forms related to fella?

• fellas (plural)

What are some synonyms for fella?

• guy
• boy
• man
• dude

What are some words that share a root or word element with fella? 

• fellow
• feller

What are some words that often get used in discussing fella?

• big
• handsome
• friend
• buddy
• pal

The term fella is very informal and is typically used to refer to or address friends and pets.

Fun fact: Menstrual cycles can also have a woman’s hormones so out of wack that it can turn into a depressive episode for a few days

Nobody asked me but I’m just letting the fellas know that think we are being “dramatic”

— Strawberricurls (@StrawberriCurls) July 16, 2020

This lil fella posed for me today pic.twitter.com/6rGEM4wdrl

— Miranda Paige (@merrpaige) July 21, 2020

For reasons unclear to me, I am really missing Gene Wilder this evening. Never knew the fella, but I miss him.

— Stripey "Made of Lego Voxels" Type (@StripeyType) May 27, 2020

Is fella used correctly in the following sentence?

He may be a young fella, but he sure is clever!