good guy

[good gahy]

noun

Informal.

1. a moral or noble person; a hero or someone perceived as one.

   The film's twist is that the monster turns out to be the good guy.

2. any person who is regarded as habitually prone to doing good things or as being morally correct.

   There are times in this job where we don't feel like the good guys.

Word History and Origins

Origin of good guy¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

From his initial interviews with reporters to his conversations with fellow fighters, Mark is kind and collected, an all-around good guy whose amiable manner belies his capacity for violence.

From Salon

Raleigh gave Ethan and Aiden signed balls and presented their father with a bat, on which Big Dumper had written, “Glenn, thanks for being a a good guy & nice catch.”

From Los Angeles Times

He was truly one of the good guys.

From BBC

"These men aren't not men of the people. They are pretending. They're pretending to be the good guys. Wolves in sheep's clothing."

From BBC

Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.

From Salon

Related Words

• Mr. Nice Guy