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attaboy

attaboy

35 9.3
A word people say to praise a man
  • noun
  • /ˈætəˌbɔɪ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : elogio
  • After finishing the project ahead of schedule, he received an attaboy from his manager.
  • give someone an attaboy
  • get an attaboy

Examples

  • Attaboy, Professor!

    Blog text (1)
  • You are, in essence, telling them with this purchase, "Attaboy!"

    Blog text (25)
  • I remember seeing Fields Post last night where he gave you the attaboy.

    Blog text (15)
  • My compensation was an attaboy from the chair and a scritch behind the ears from my dean.

    Blog text (29)
  • There should also be an attaboy said to Jonathan Weeks for not screwing up a single snap in those conditions.

    Blog text (8)
  • Thanks for the attaboy.

    Blog text (26)
  • Attaboy, Flowers.

  • "Attaboy!" his father said, and he moved in to clear away the loosened dirt with his spade.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Attaboy, Hunter.

  • Attaboy, Billy.

Synonyms

great job
vsattaboy
  • Informal
284 1.0

To praise someone for doing a task well

is used to praise boys or men specifically rather than anyone
nice one
vsattaboy
  • UK
16 7.4

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

is aimed at boys or men rather than at people in general
attagirl
vsattaboy
  • Informal
7 9.1

A short spoken phrase praising a girl or woman for doing something well

is used to praise a boy or man instead of a girl or woman

Antonyms

45 3.0

A feeling that shows you do not agree with someone or what they do

How Praised

excellent
1.0
bravo
131 5.3
attaboy
  • Archaic
35 9.3
great job
  • Informal
284 1.0
well done
84 1.8

Surface Forms

attaboy singular
attaboys plural

Etymology

Attaboy as a noun is the same friendly praise you hear aloud; it comes from the spoken phrase 'that's a boy' shortened to atta boy. So calling out an attaboy is a way of saying 'good job' or giving encouragement.