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attaboy

attaboy

1 9.9
A short shout that praises a man
  • interjection
  • /ˈætəˌbɔɪ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : bravo
  • You scored the winning goal, attaboy!
  • Yeah, attaboy

Examples

Synonyms

yay
vsattaboy
  • Informal
185 6.0

A short shout people make to show happiness or excitement

is used as praise for males rather than a casual cheer
hooray
vsattaboy
  • Informal
43 1.4

A short shout to show excitement or happiness

is directed to praise males rather than a general shout
nice one
vsattaboy
  • UK
16 7.4

A short way to show approval or praise for something done well

is informal encouragement and praise rather than only congratulation
hurray
vsattaboy
5 2.6

A shout people make when they are happy or excited

is informal praise for males rather than a general shouted cheer
hoorah
vsattaboy
  • Informal
3 7.9

A short shout people say to show joy or approval

is informal praise aimed at males rather than general cheering
attagirl
vsattaboy
  • Informal
1 9.6

To praise a girl or woman for doing something well

is aimed at males rather than females
arriba
vsattaboy
  • Informal
9.7

A shout people use to show excitement or support

is informal praise aimed at males rather than used mainly in Spanish contexts
viva
vsattaboy
8.2

A loud shout to show support or celebration for someone

is casual male-directed encouragement rather than general celebration

Antonyms

512 3.0

Disapproval that points out faults

Surface Forms

attaboy main

Etymology

Attaboy probably comes from the quick spoken phrase 'that's a boy', with atta as a short, casual form of 'that's a' and boy meaning a male. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone shouting 'atta boy!' like 'well done', which is why we use it to cheer or praise someone.