Guy: meaning, definitions and examples

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guy

[ɡaɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

a slang term

A man; a person of either sex.

Synonyms

fellow, individual, man, person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guy	Casual, informal contexts when referring to a male. It’s friendly and often used in day-to-day conversation. That guy over there is my friend / Hey, guys, what are we doing tonight?
man	General reference to an adult male in most contexts, can be both formal and informal. He’s a strong man / That man helped me find my way
fellow	Slightly old-fashioned, can be used in both formal and informal settings. Often implies camaraderie or shared experience. He's a good fellow / My fellow students and I worked on the project
person	Neutral and gender-neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts to refer to any human being. Every person should have equal rights / Who is that person?
individual	Formal or official contexts, when referring to a single person in an impersonal or objective manner. Often used in legal, medical, or official documents. Each individual is responsible for their own actions / The study involved 100 individuals

Examples of usage

He's a great guy to have around.
She's dating a new guy.
I met this guy at the party.
The guy at the store was really helpful.
That guy is always making me laugh.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal usage

A male friend or acquaintance.

Synonyms

buddy, friend, mate, pal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guy	Used when referring to a man or boy in a casual conversation. It is generally neutral and widely used in various informal settings. Who's that guy over there? Some guy left this package for you.
buddy	Used to refer to a close friend or as a friendly term of address. Often used to show warmth and camaraderie, particularly in informal or friendly interactions. Hey buddy, how have you been? Need any help with that, buddy?
pal	An informal term for a friend. It's used to express friendliness and is often employed in casual conversations. Sometimes it can have a slightly outdated or playful feel. Long time no see, pal! Do you want to grab a coffee, pal?
friend	Used to describe someone you know well and like. This is a more formal term compared to 'buddy', 'pal', or 'mate' and can be used in both formal and informal settings. She's my best friend. I met a new friend at the conference.
mate	Commonly used in British and Australian English as a casual term for a friend. It conveys a sense of equality and camaraderie. It is informal and friendlier than 'friend'. How's it going, mate? Thanks, mate, I appreciate it.

Examples of usage

I'm meeting up with some guys later.
He's one of my best guys.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'guy' comes from the name Guy Fawkes, an Englishman who tried to blow up the Parliament in 1605.
Originally, 'guy' meant a poorly dressed man—it was a term used to mock the appearance of Guy Fawkes himself.
Over time, it evolved from a negative term to a casual and friendly way to refer to any man.

Pop Culture

In the 1990s, the phrase 'you guys' became popular in television and movies, reflecting a more casual way of addressing groups.
The term is frequently used in comedy, especially by stand-up comedians, to connect with audiences in a relatable way.
Popular songs have included the word 'guy,' making it a staple in the music industry and appealing to younger generations.

Cultural Variations

In American English, 'guy' is commonly used to refer to a group of people, regardless of gender, as in 'you guys.'
In some cultures, the term may carry informal or affectionate connotations, while in others, it may be more neutral.
The usage of 'guy' shows the evolving nature of language, adapting to social changes and inclusivity over time.

Linguistics

The word 'guy' has also been adopted into various languages, often retaining a similar casual tone, such as 'guy' in French slang.
The pronunciation and use of 'guy' can vary among regions, showcasing regional dialects and accents even within English-speaking countries.
This word showcases the phenomenon of semantic bleached terms, as it has shifted from a specific reference to a more general term of address.

Sociology

The casual use of 'guy' reflects modern social dynamics where traditional roles are often challenged and redefined.
In social interactions, addressing someone as a 'guy' can create a sense of camaraderie and informality, breaking down hierarchical structures.
Gender studies examine how the term is used in various contexts, highlighting shifts in gender perceptions and the normalization of non-binary language.

Translations

Translations of the word "guy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cara

rapaz
sujeito

🇮🇳 लड़का

🇩🇪 Kerl

Typ
Mann

🇮🇩 pria

cowok
laki-laki

🇺🇦 хлопець

🇵🇱 facet

chłopak
mężczyzna

🇯🇵 男

男性
やつ

🇫🇷 gars

mec
type

🇪🇸 chico

hombre
tipo

🇹🇷 adam

herif
oğlan

🇰🇷 남자

🇸🇦 رجل

🇨🇿 chlap

muž
kluk

🇸🇰 chlapec

muž
chlap

🇨🇳 家伙

男人
小伙子

🇸🇮 fant

🇮🇸 strákur

🇰🇿 жігіт

🇬🇪 ბიჭი

🇦🇿 oğlan

🇲🇽 chico

hombre
tipo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,972, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3969 configuration
3970 prospect
3971 odd
3972 guy
3973 broader
3974 projected
3975 zinc
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