bully boy

plural bully boys · alternative bullyboy · alternative bully-boy

1. A tough, aggressive man, especially one who is young.

   Back in the Mussolini era, Carlo Corbisiero, part-time barber, brawler and bully boy of the village of Marzano di Nola, near Naples, was pretty proud of his nickname—"Crackshot."

   1953 August 17, “Italy: The Mills of Justice”, in Time

   Synonyms: leg-breaker, ruffian, thug

2. datedA familiar male associate who is regarded rather fondly, especially one who is spirited and genial.

   "Then, boys, here's to the health of Mr. Ferguson. He's a bully boy, and no coward."

   1878, Horatio Alger, chapter 19, in The Young Adventurer

   1 more example

   "For troth I'm a merry dog, I—a wanton wag, a bully boy and jovial, though woeful o' look!"

   1920, Jeffery Farnol, The Geste of Duke Jocelyn, Fytte 5

   Synonyms: buddy, chum, good old boy, pal