bosom buddy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, somewhat old-fashioned, slightly literary or nostalgic.
Quick answer
What does “bosom buddy” mean?
A very close, intimate, and trusted friend with whom one shares private thoughts and feelings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very close, intimate, and trusted friend with whom one shares private thoughts and feelings.
A friend of long-standing intimacy and deep emotional connection, often implying a relationship formed in youth or through shared, significant life experiences. The term sometimes conveys exclusivity or a 'partner in crime' dynamic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English, though understood in American English. The term 'buddy' is more characteristically American, but the full phrase 'bosom buddy' has a quaint, slightly dated feel in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can sound affectionate or slightly humorous/archaic. It is not typically used for casual friendships.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English, but remains an uncommon expression.
Grammar
How to Use “bosom buddy” in a Sentence
X is Y's bosom buddyX and Y are bosom buddiesbosom buddies since [time]bosom buddies from [place/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare and inappropriate; too personal and informal.
Academic
Not used; scholarly texts would use terms like 'close associate' or 'confidant'.
Everyday
Possible in personal narratives or nostalgic conversation, but marked as old-fashioned.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bosom buddy”
- Using it for new friends (requires history).
- Using in formal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'boosum buddy'.
- Confusing with 'bosom friend' (identical meaning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any gender combination, though historically it was more common for same-sex friendships. Today it is gender-neutral.
'Bosom buddy' implies a deeper, more intimate, and often longer-lasting emotional bond with a strong element of shared secrets. 'Best friend' is a broader, more common term.
Not inherently, but due to the word 'bosom' (chest), some might find it slightly awkward or old-fashioned. It is not vulgar.
Yes, e.g., 'They became bosom buddies at university.' It typically refers to a pair, not a large group.
A very close, intimate, and trusted friend with whom one shares private thoughts and feelings.
Bosom buddy is usually informal, somewhat old-fashioned, slightly literary or nostalgic. in register.
Bosom buddy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʊz.əm ˈbʌd.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʊz.əm ˈbʌd.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “thick as thieves (similar concept)”
- “joined at the hip (similar concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two friends sharing a secret, whispering it into the other's chest (bosom). A 'buddy' you trust enough to hold close to your heart.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTIMACY IS PHYSICAL CLOSENESS / THE HEART IS A CONTAINER FOR SECRETS AND FEELINGS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bosom buddy' be LEAST appropriate?