teddy boy

noun

: a young British thug especially of the 1950s and 1960s characterized by Edwardian dress

Examples of teddy boy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The relevant designs nodded to subcultures like 1970s punks or 1960s mods and teddy boys, who wore suits but in rebellious ways. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 22 Jan. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Teddy, nickname for Edward

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teddy boy was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near teddy boy

Cite this Entry

“Teddy boy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teddy%20boy. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!