guy

guy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal) A man.

  2. 2.

    (plural, informal) People of either sex.

  3. 3.

    An effigy of Guy Fawkes burned on Bonfire Night in Britain.

  4. 4.

    A rope or cable used to steady or guide something.

Forms

plural: guys

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    you guys — Informal address to a group.
  • •
    nice guy — A kind, decent person.
  • •
    tough guy — Someone who acts tough.
  • •
    fall guy — A scapegoat.
  • •
    wise guy — A know-it-all; a smart aleck.

Related words

Antonyms: girl, woman
See also: dude, fellow, guys, man
Synonyms: chap, dude, fellow, man

Etymology

From the name of Guy Fawkes (1570-1606), who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the English Parliament. Effigies called "Guys" were burned on the anniversary, and the term extended to mean any grotesque person, then simply any man.