blue-eyed boy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often slightly pejorative
Quick answer
What does “blue-eyed boy” mean?
A person, typically a young man, who is favoured and treated with special kindness by someone in authority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically a young man, who is favoured and treated with special kindness by someone in authority.
A person who is perceived as the favourite, often to the point of being unfairly privileged or protected, especially in a workplace, team, or social group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more common and established in British English. In American English, 'fair-haired boy' or 'golden boy' are more frequent equivalents.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a strong connotation of unfair favouritism and can be quite critical. In American English, where the term is less common, it may be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English, low-to-medium in US English, where it is understood but not the primary idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “blue-eyed boy” in a Sentence
[Person/Group]'s blue-eyed boybe/act like the blue-eyed boybe seen as the blue-eyed boyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blue-eyed boy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's got that blue-eyed-boy attitude since the promotion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe an employee perceived to receive unfair promotion or protection from management.
Academic
Rare; might be used informally to describe a favoured student or researcher.
Everyday
Used in social or work contexts to comment on perceived favouritism.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue-eyed boy”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blue-eyed boy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue-eyed boy”
- Using it for a woman (use 'blue-eyed girl' is a rare, non-idiomatic extension).
- Using it in a positive sense without irony.
- Confusing it with 'boy with blue eyes'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. The idiom is strongly gendered. While 'blue-eyed girl' is sometimes heard by analogy, it is not the established idiom and may sound odd. 'Golden girl' or simply 'favourite' are better for females.
It is not a slur, but it is critical and pejorative. It is insulting to imply someone's success is due only to favouritism. Use with caution, as it can cause offence.
'Golden boy' can have a more positive connotation, suggesting someone naturally talented and successful. 'Blue-eyed boy' almost always implies the success is granted by a superior's favour, not inherent talent.
Not directly. To express favour without the negative connotation, use neutral terms like 'favourite', 'protégé', or 'star pupil/employee'.
A person, typically a young man, who is favoured and treated with special kindness by someone in authority.
Blue-eyed boy is usually informal, often slightly pejorative in register.
Blue-eyed boy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈaɪd ˈbɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblu ˈaɪd ˈbɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “teacher's pet”
- “the apple of someone's eye”
- “in someone's good books”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boss who only has eyes for one employee – and in his eyes, that employee is always pictured with bright blue, shining eyes, while others are in grey. He's the 'blue-eyed' one in the boss's vision.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAVOUR IS VISUAL PROMINENCE / BEING THE FAVOURITE IS BEING PHYSICALLY DISTINCT (with blue eyes).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'blue-eyed boy' MOST likely used?