Boyo

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /bɔɪ.əʊ/Rhymes: -ɔɪəʊ

Full definition of boyo

Noun

1. (Ireland) A boy or lad.
2. (sometimes derogatory (see usage notes)) A stereotypically Welsh form of address for a man (usually younger than the speaker).
• 1980, Tristan Jones, Adrift Chapter Down the Old Kent Road, “Can’t get onboard the boat,” Dai finished for me. “Bloody typical, it is, boyo.”
• 1995, Peter Ho Davies, The Ugliest House in the World: Stories Chapter The Ugliest House in the World, A taff is a Welshman. Everyone in the doctors’ mess calls me taff or taffy. Mr Swain, the mortuary attendant, calls me boyo, especially during the rugby season when Wales lose badly.
• 2006, Francis Kerr Young, Hang on a Second!, “You’re crazy boyo!” Taffy gaped at his shipmate’s rosy cheeks, their hugh brightened by the Canadian blasts. “Now, what in the bloody hell were you doing out there boyo?”

Usage notes

(form of address for a man) When used to address a Welshman by a non-Welshman this can be (perceived as) derogatory or patronising; use by obviously Welsh people to anyone is rarely derogatory but may still be patronising, especially if used to address someone older than oneself.

Anagrams

• yobo