Definition

Noun: A young man who achieves notable success, popularity, or favor, especially at an early age. The term often implies he is celebrated, admired, and seen as having a very promising future.

Usage

The term "golden boy" is used to describe a man, typically young, who is currently experiencing a period of great success and is the object of high praise and expectations. It often carries a tone of media or public adulation.

Examples

• After winning the championship and the MVP award in his rookie season, the quarterback became the golden boy of the league.
• The brilliant young entrepreneur was hailed as the golden boy of the tech industry after his company's successful IPO.
• He was the department's golden boy, always receiving the most prestigious projects and rapid promotions.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used with a slightly critical or envious undertone, suggesting the status may be temporary or overly dependent on current favor.
  • After the scandal, the media's former golden boy found himself struggling to find work.

Variants and Related Words

• Golden girl (noun): The female equivalent, referring to a young woman who is unusually successful and celebrated.
  • The Olympic gold medalist was instantly anointed the golden girl of American swimming.

Synonyms

• Prodigy
• Wunderkind
• Fair-haired boy
• Rising star
• Blue-eyed boy (primarily British English)

Antonyms

• Underachiever
• Has-been
• Pariah
• Black sheep

Idioms and Related Phrases

• To be someone's golden boy: To be the particular favorite of a person in authority.
  • He was the CEO's golden boy, which explained his swift rise through the ranks.
• The golden boy image: Refers to the public perception of someone as perfect or supremely successful.
  • The recent allegations have tarnished his golden boy image.

Noun

1. a man who is unusually successful at an early age