bruiser
/'bru:zə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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