• Bo

    Origin 1

    Imitative.

    Alternative forms

    Full definition of bo

    Interjection

    1. An exclamation used to startle or frighten.
      • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.37:We may fairely cry bo-bo-boe; it may well make us hoarse, but it will nothing advaunce it.

    Origin 2

    Probably a shortening of boy.

    Noun

    bo

    1. (US, slang) Fellow, chap, boy.
      • 1940, Raymond Chandler, Farewell, My Lovely, Penguin 2010, p. 255:‘Never heard of him,’ he smiled. ‘On your way, bo.’

    Origin 3

    From Japanese

    ぼう

    ||lang=ja}, from Middle Chinese 棒 (bǽwng "staff", "club") (compare Mandarin 棒 bàng).

    Noun

    bo

    (plural bos)
    1. (martial arts) A quarterstaff, especially in an oriental context.

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