bros.
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Informal abbreviation for brothers: "bros." is a short form of the word "brothers," often used in the names of companies, organizations, or informal contexts to refer to male siblings or close male friends.
- Used in business names: Commonly appears in the titles of family-owned businesses or partnerships to indicate that the owners are brothers.
Usage Examples
As an abbreviation in company names:
- The store is called "Smith Bros. Hardware." (The business is owned by the Smith brothers.)
Informal reference to brothers:
- I’m going out with the bros. tonight. (I am going out with my male friends or brothers.)
Advanced Usage
"Bros." with a period: The period after "bros" is standard in written English when it is used as an abbreviation, especially in formal or commercial names.
- The event was sponsored by Johnson Bros. & Co. (The event was sponsored by the Johnson brothers and their company.)
In informal speech: In casual conversation, "bros" (without a period) is used as a slang term for close male friends.
- What’s up, bros? (Hello, friends.)
Variants and Related Words
Bro (singular noun): an informal term for a brother or close male friend.
- My bro is coming over later. (My brother/friend is visiting.)
Brother (noun): a male sibling.
- He is my older brother. (He is my male sibling who is older.)
Synonyms
- Siblings: brothers or sisters (more formal).
- Guys: informal term for a group of men or friends.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms
"Bros before hoes": a slang expression (often considered offensive) prioritizing male friendship over romantic relationships.
- He chose to hang out with his friends instead of his girlfriend, citing "bros before hoes." (He prioritized his male friends.)
"Bros for life": an informal phrase meaning a lifelong bond between male friends.
- We’ve been friends since childhood — bros for life. (We are permanently close friends.)