Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, strong, and heavyset man, often one who is aggressive or intimidating: A "bruiser" typically describes a man of substantial physical size and strength, whose appearance or demeanor suggests he could be involved in physical confrontations.
   • (Informal, dated) A professional boxer: Historically, the term was used informally to refer to a boxer, especially one known for a rough, powerful fighting style.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The bouncer at the club was a real bruiser, towering over everyone at the door.
  • In the old film, the hero had to fight a gang of bruisers to save the town.
  • (Historical context) He fought as a bruiser in underground boxing matches to earn money.

Advanced Usage

• "A political bruiser": Used metaphorically to describe a politician or figure who is aggressively forceful and uncompromising in tactics, not necessarily physical.
  • The senator earned a reputation as a political bruiser who would stop at nothing to pass his legislation.

Variants and Related Words

• Bruise (verb/noun): To injure body tissue without breaking the skin, resulting in a discolored mark; or the mark itself. This is the root word from which "bruiser" is derived.
  • She bruised her knee when she fell.
• Bruising (adjective): Physically punishing or demanding; also used metaphorically for a harsh experience.
  • The team went through a bruising playoff series.

Synonyms

• Heavy: A large, strong man, often one employed for protection or intimidation.
• Tough: A person, especially a man, who is strong and aggressive.
• Thug: A violent person, especially a criminal. (This has a stronger negative connotation than "bruiser".)
• Brawler: Someone who fights, especially in a rough, non-professional context.

Related Phrases

• "Give as good as one gets": To respond with equal force or aggression in a fight or argument. This phrase is often associated with the character of a bruiser.
  • He was a thick-skinned bruiser ready to give as good as he got.

Noun

1. a large and strong and heavyset man
   • he was a bull of a man
   • a thick-skinned bruiser ready to give as good as he got