ATTABOY Definition & Meaning

attaboy

[at-uh-boi]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

interjection

Informal.

(used as an enthusiastic expression of encouragement or approval to a boy, man, or male animal.)

attaboy

/ ˈæ��əˌ��ɔɪ /

slang��an expression of approval or exhortation

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of attaboy¹

1905–10, alleged to be a reduced form of that's a boy or that's the boy

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In the jubilant Atlanta clubhouse after the win, Arcia reportedly cracked, “ha-ha, attaboy, Harper.”

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“Talk about break your heart! As an actor, that’s the best ‘attaboy’ you can get.”

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He tells members of the group, as he famously put it while debating Biden, to “stand back and stand by” — advice that they rightfully took as an “attaboy.”

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In the military, superiors give what are known as challenge coins to soldiers as an attaboy.

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Except for an occasional “attaboy” shoulder shake from his father or a casual arm punch from one of his friends, no one had touched him since his mother.

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When To Use

What does��attaboy mean?

Attaboy is an informal expression of enthusiastic praise or encouragement addressed to boys, men, and male animals (such as one’s dog).Attaboy is an interjection, meaning it’s a term used to express emotion, often outside of a sentence.The term attagirl can be used in the same way to address girls, women, and female animals.Such terms are generally used as a way to cheer someone on, similar to saying “Great job!” or “Way to go!” For example, coaches or parents might say it to a child playing a sport after they’ve done something particularly good.Attaboy is sometimes used as a noun referring to a statement of praise, as in The boss doesn’t usually give out attaboys like that, so he must be pretty impressed. Example: Attaboy, Ben! Great catch!

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