old boy

[ohld boi, ohld boi, ohld boi]

noun

1. Informal.,  an adult male, especially a Southerner.

2. a lively elderly man.

3. Chiefly British.,  an alumnus, especially of a boys' preparatory or public school.

4. Chiefly British.,  old chap.

old boy

noun

1. (sometimes capitals) a male ex-pupil of a school

2. informal

   1. a familiar name used to refer to a man

   2. an old man

Word History and Origins

Origin of old boy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

The parents of missing baby Emmanuel Haro were arrested Friday on suspicion of murder, more than a week after his mother claimed the 7-month old boy was abducted, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

About five hours later, Quevedo called a woman from jail and asked her to tell David in state prison that “old boy got his rap session,” according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times

Manchester City stepped into a new era at the revamped Fifa Club World Cup - but it was one of their old boys who stole the show in Philadelphia.

From BBC

"When I first started, there were a lot of the 'old boy gardeners', who loved dahlias, chrysanthemums, the old fashioned plants," he said.

From BBC

Our fear of the old boys' club must be unlearned.

From Salon