attaboy

[ at-uh-boi ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

interjection

, Informal.

(used as an enthusiastic expression of encouragement or approval to a boy, man, or male animal.)

attaboy

/ ˈætəˌbɔɪ /

Origin of attaboy¹

1905–10, Americanism; alleged to be a reduced form of that's a boy or that's the boy

He was censured by his colleagues in the House but given an “Attaboy, Charlie!”

In the ominous silence a cracked voice yelped: "Attaboy Fenton!"

He did go and support the team, and enhance the glory of Zenith, by yelling "Attaboy!"

It will be observed that Mr. Burke has given his attaboy a "t" too many.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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