good old boy

good old boy

1. In the Southern US, a white man considered to have the qualities associated with traditional conservative Southern masculine culture, including an easygoing demeanor and a generally conservative worldview. The term is applied either positively or negatively, depending on how one views such a culture. Jefferson is a good old boy—you can trust him to uphold our values. Great, just what we need—another good old boy elected to office.
2. A male who is part of a very loyal social group. Of course he only hires his friends—he's a good old boy. What do you expect? Just know that if you marry a good old boy, you're marrying his friends, too.
3. A nice, pleasant male. He's a good old boy, sure, but there's just no chemistry between us.
See also: boy, good, old
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

good old boy

 and good ole boy
Rur. a good guy; a dependable companion. Old Tom is a good old boy. He'll help. One of these good ole boys will give you a hand.
See also: boy, good, old
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

good old boy

and good ole boy
n. a good guy; a dependable companion. (Folksy.) Old Tom is a good old boy. He’ll help.
See also: boy, good, old

good ole boy

verb
See good old boy
See also: boy, good, olé
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • good ole boy
  • grabber
  • grabbers
  • goober grabber
  • goober-grabber
  • have your good, plus, etc. points
  • have (someone's or something's) good points
  • have (someone's or something's) plus points
  • redneck
  • rough trade
References in periodicals archive
Family members and loved ones assert no authority due to the exclusionary constraints of the "good old boy" ethos.
Deconstructing the "good-old boy" ethic: male friendship in Luis Fernando Verissimo's O Clube dos Anjos
Thirty years ago, when the younger Morris was ten, his famous father dedicated his children's book, Good Old Boy, to son David in the foreword.
A Good Old Boy Goes Home
Perhaps the story that piqued the most interest among reporters-and that defied the "good old boy" stereotype of Houston-was the fact that seven women now serve in some of the highest positions in Houston.
International spotlight
"i also had the two-year-old Good old Boy Lukey with richard and he won three out of three, including this season's Group 2 Superlative Stakes at newmarket.
Owner gets it just right as latest purchase Chiswick scores
Sarah Palin, to the good old boy network that's used to getting its way in Washington, D.C.
Change we can't believe
It continued: "Just think of the kids whose lives have been messed up by good old boy JK."
KING IS 'SCUM' EXCLUSIVE
Our tradition sometimes traps us instead of giving life to us, as with women's limited role in the church, the limited promotion of lay leadership, the unhealthy 'good old boy' network of clergy that protects itself instead of empowering others and the truth.
We can work it out: it's possible to repair a frayed relationship with the church
Slick Willie, Bubba, the slob who eats off other people's plates, or the Good Old Boy cannot be mistaken for any reporter's dad.
The Clinton-Lewinsky Obsession
The options are to ignore the mandate and potentially impact quality care (the good old boy approach) or deny appointment with its potential impact on a physician's ability to remain on HMO panels (many require staff membership and privileges) and angering physicians (who in turn may not refer their patients with obvious financial impact on the institution).
Credentialing issue
Is it the good old boy network, ignorance or plain old-fashioned racism?
More racial injustice in the Justice Department: the Immigration and Naturalization Service is the latest branch to be charges with employment discrimination
FRESH from the West End, Buddy: e Buddy Holly Story 25th Anniversary tour sees Newcastle's own Glen Joseph as the infamous good old boy who changed everything we know and love about music.
It's raining hits as Buddy's tale is told; MARY FINNIGAN reviews Buddy, at the Theatre Royal Newcastle until Saturday
VVWHAT they say Richard Fahey, trainer of Good Old Boy Lukey "It's a big step up, but he's won two out of two so far and goes there in good form.
Hannon bids for more glory with Washaar
"She just has to be ridden properly." Richard Fahey is in no rush to make fancy plans for Good Old Boy Lukey (10-11 favourite) after he made it two wins from as many starts in the Betfred Mobile Lotto Novice Stakes.
Superb Sousa rains supreme; Brazilian rider claims eighth winner in five days
The good old Boy Brian, surrounded by his a cappella cohorts, conducted the Liverpool audience, primed to explode with anticipation, in a quick rendition of ``row row row your boat gently down the stream''.
Review: Brian leaves crowd with Smile; BRIAN WILSON Liverpool Empire
TV chef Oliver, 27, who sat next to Charles, said: "I thought he was a good old boy, very interesting and undoubtedly passionate about nature, organics, self-sufficient farms and small holdings."
TV Jamie meats Charles