buddy

== English == === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈbʌd.i/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈbʌd.i/, [ˈbʌɾ.i] Rhymes: -ʌdi === Etymology 1 === First appears c. 1788, in the writings of Charles Dibdin, of uncertain origin. Possibly from *bruddy, *bruthy, a child-talk alteration of brother. Alternatively, perhaps from British colloquial butty (“companion”), also the form of an older dialect term meaning workmate, associated with coal mining. Itself believed derived from 1530 as booty fellow, a partner with whom one shares booty or loot. Alternatively, compare Scots buddo, bodda (“buddy, kiddo, dear”), related to Icelandic budda (“purse"; also "short, stout person”). ==== Noun ==== buddy (plural buddies) A friend or casual acquaintance. Synonyms: bud, mate; see also Thesaurus:friend A partner for a particular activity. Synonyms: companion, partner An informal and friendly address to a stranger, usually male; a friendly (or occasionally antagonistic) placeholder name for a person one does not know. Synonyms: mate, fellow ==== Pronoun ==== buddy (Maritime English) A person far removed from the conversation. ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== ==== Verb ==== buddy (third-person singular simple present buddies, present participle buddying, simple past and past participle buddied) (transitive) To assign a buddy, or partner, to. ===== Derived terms ===== buddy-up === Etymology 2 === From Middle English buddy, buddi, equivalent to bud +‎ -y. ==== Adjective ==== buddy (comparative more buddy, superlative most buddy) Resembling a bud. === References ===