Cowboy: meaning, definitions and examples

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cowboy

[ˈkaʊˌbɔɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

western culture

A cowboy is a person, typically a man, who herds and tends cattle on a ranch, especially in the western U.S.

Synonyms

cowhand, cowpuncher, wrangler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cowboy	This word is most commonly used to describe someone who herds and tends cattle, typically on horseback. It's also used in popular culture to describe characters in Western movies and stories. He grew up on a ranch and always dreamed of becoming a cowboy The movie tells the story of cowboys in the Old West
cowhand	This term specifically refers to a laborer on a cattle ranch. It emphasizes the working aspect of the job more than the iconic image of the cowboy. The ranch hired a new cowhand to help with the spring roundup She spent her summers working as a cowhand on her uncle's farm
wrangler	This refers to someone in charge of livestock, specifically horses or cattle, and is often used in the context of rodeos or ranches. As a wrangler, he made sure all the horses were well-fed and healthy The wrangler led the group of tourists on a horseback ride through the mountains
cowpuncher	Commonly used in the American West, this term is another name for a cowboy. It often highlights someone who is very skilled at handling cattle. Jake was known as the best cowpuncher in Texas Cowpunchers from miles around came to the rodeo to show off their skills

Examples of usage

The cowboy rode his horse across the vast open plains.
She grew up wanting to be a cowboy and work with cattle.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

fashion

A cowboy is a person who dresses in a style associated with American cowboys, typically including a wide-brimmed hat, boots, and a plaid shirt.

Synonyms

cowgirl, rancher, westerner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cowboy	Often used to describe a man who works on a ranch, especially one who tends cattle. Could also refer to someone who takes reckless or adventurous actions. The cowboy rode his horse across the open plains. He's such a cowboy, always taking unnecessary risks.
cowgirl	Used to describe a woman who works on a ranch, particularly one who tends cattle. Often has a connotation of independence and toughness. The cowgirl lassoed the stray calf with precision. She dressed up as a cowgirl for the costume party.
rancher	Typically describes someone who owns or manages a large farm or ranch. This term is more focused on the business aspect and land management. The rancher hired additional hands to help with the harvest. As a rancher, he knows a lot about livestock and land maintenance.
westerner	Generally used to refer to someone who is from the Western part of a country, often used in the United States. It can also carry cultural connotations related to the 'Wild West'. As a westerner, she had a lot of stories about growing up near the mountains. The westerner's drawl was unmistakable.

Examples of usage

She wore cowboy boots and a hat to the country music festival.
The cowboy look became popular in mainstream fashion.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'cowboy' originated in the 19th century, primarily used in the American West to describe cattle herders.
Before the cowboy, Spanish 'vaqueros' were the first cattle handlers in North America, influencing cowboy culture.
The popularity of cowboys surged during the late 1800s, tied to cattle drives and the expansion of railroads.

Pop Culture

Cowboys have been romanticized in films, with characters like John Wayne becoming iconic figures in American cinema.
The Western genre of music, featuring songs about cowboys, became popular through artists like Gene Autry.
Famous video games like 'Red Dead Redemption' have helped sustain the cowboy mythology in modern culture.

Literature

The cowboy figure has appeared in classic American literature, such as 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister, which helped shape the Western genre.
In poetry, cowboys are often depicted as rugged individualists, embodying themes of freedom and adventure.
Contemporary authors continue to explore cowboy life, blending traditional themes with modern challenges.

Psychology

The cowboy symbolizes independence and resilience, appealing to archetypes of the hero in various cultures.
Studies have shown that the cowboy persona fosters notions of masculinity, adventure, and ruggedness in society.
The cowboy mythos can contribute to feelings of nostalgia and identity, especially in discussions about American values.

Fashion

Cowboys are known for their distinct fashion, characterized by wide-brimmed hats, denim jeans, and cowboy boots.
The bandana is a staple accessory for cowboys, originally used for protection from dust and sun.
Rodeos and western shows showcase traditional cowboy attire, emphasizing both form and function in everyday wear.

Translations

Translations of the word "cowboy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vaqueiro

🇮🇳 काउबॉय

🇩🇪 Cowboy

🇮🇩 koboi

🇺🇦 ковбой

🇵🇱 kowboj

🇯🇵 カウボーイ

🇫🇷 cow-boy

🇪🇸 vaquero

🇹🇷 kovboy

🇰🇷 카우보이

🇸🇦 راعي البقر

🇨🇿 kovboj

🇸🇰 kovboj

🇨🇳 牛仔

🇸🇮 kavboj

🇮🇸 kúreki

🇰🇿 ковбой

🇬🇪 კოვბოი

🇦🇿 kovboy

🇲🇽 vaquero

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,624, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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