city boy
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A male resident of a city, especially one characterized by sophisticated or urbane manners, tastes, and style of dress: The term "city boy" specifically refers to a man or boy whose lifestyle, behavior, and appearance are shaped by urban living, often implying a level of worldliness, fashion-consciousness, and comfort with city culture that contrasts with rural or small-town life.
Usage
- The term is used to describe a man whose identity and habits are distinctly urban.
- It often carries connotations of sophistication, but can sometimes be used neutrally or, in certain contexts, to imply a lack of familiarity with rural or outdoor life.
- It functions as a countable noun.
Examples
- Noun:
- He's a real city boy; he doesn't know the first thing about camping or fishing.
- With his tailored suits and knowledge of fine dining, he was the epitome of a sophisticated city boy.
- The city boy felt out of place on the quiet, sprawling farm.
Advanced Usage
- "Just a city boy": A phrase often used to humbly or ironically acknowledge one's urban background and presumed lack of rural skills.
- "I can't help with fixing the tractor—I'm just a city boy."
- The term can be used in contrast to terms like "country boy" or "farm boy" to highlight cultural differences.
Variants and Related Words
- City slicker (n): A similar term, often with a slightly more negative connotation implying cunning or a sense of superiority associated with city dwellers.
- The farmers were wary of the city slicker trying to buy their land.
- Urbanite (n): A more formal, neutral term for a city dweller.
- Townie (n, informal): Often refers to a permanent resident of a town, especially a university town, as opposed to students.
Synonyms
- Urban dweller: A neutral term for someone living in a city.
- Metropolitan: (As a noun, less common) A person who lives in a metropolis.
Antonyms
- Country boy: A male raised in or accustomed to rural areas.
- Rural dweller: A person living in the countryside.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "A fish out of water": This idiom can describe the feeling a "city boy" might have in a rural setting.
- The city boy was like a fish out of water at the county fair.
Noun
- a city dweller with sophisticated manners and clothing