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Glite Dictionary
showboy

showboy

1 9.3
A man who dances with a group on stage in musicals or theatre
  • noun
  • /ˈʃoʊˌbɔɪ/
translation icon : bailarín
  • The talented showboy captivated the audience with his impressive dance moves during the musical.

Examples

  • The tour is given by a Jubilee showgirl or showboy.

    Blog text (12)

  • As a professional showboy, he performed in various stage productions around the country.

  • The showboy took his place in the chorus line, ready to start the performance.

Synonyms

dancer
vsshowboy
514 1.0

A person who moves their body to music

is specific to men in theatrical chorus line roles
performer
vsshowboy
261 2.5

A person who entertains people, for example by singing or acting

is specific to men in theatrical chorus lines rather than broader stage roles

How Prominent

lead
279 4.6
showboy
1 9.3

Surface Forms

showboy singular
showboys plural

Morphology

showboy = show + boy (transparent) = show + boy

The meaning is directly built from 'show' + 'boy' and a B1 learner knowing both parts would infer 'a male performer in shows'.

Etymology

Showboy is simply show + boy, literally 'boy of the show'. Like showgirl, it names a stage performer, so a showboy is a man who sings or dances in a stage show or chorus line.