big boy

English

Pronunciation

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Noun

big boy (plural big boys)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see big,‎ boy.
2. (idiomatic) A large object or person.

   I've been dying to get behind the wheel of this big boy.

3. (idiomatic, informal) A male child who is considered mature enough for some purpose.

   Coordinate terms: big girl, big kid

   You're a big boy now, and big boys go to school.

4. (idiomatic, informal) An adult male, considered to be sufficiently mature and independent.

   Coordinate term: big girl

   He is a big boy and can take care of himself.

5. (usually in the plural) One who is in a dominant position, such as in business, elite sport, etc.

   He started a small manufacturing plant, but he couldn't compete with the big boys.

   • 2024 August 29, Alex Mills, “Larne headed for Conference League group stages as Andy Ryan hat-trick secures historic Play-Off joy”, in Belfast Telegraph‎^[1]:

     The prize now for Larne is massive… something in the region of £3million. They are the envy of every other Irish League club by forcing their way in with the big boys in the UEFA Conference League.

Translations

a large object of person — see absolute unit

An independent adult male

• Finnish: iso poika
• French: grand garçon
• Polish: duży chłopiec m

See also

• big girl
• bad boy
• old boy
• big boys