attaboy

[ at-uh-boi ]
/ ˈæt əˌbɔɪ /

interjection Informal.

(used as an enthusiastic expression of encouragement or approval to a boy, man, or male animal.)

Origin of attaboy

1905–10, Americanism; alleged to be a reduced form of that's a boy or that's the boy

Words nearby attaboy

atropos, atry, ats, att., att. gen., attaboy, attacca, attach, attached, attached gingiva, attachment

Example sentences from the Web for attaboy

  • He was censured by his colleagues in the House but given an “Attaboy, Charlie!”

    The Daily Beast 2010 Political Awards |Samuel P. Jacobs |December 21, 2010 |DAILY BEAST

  • He did go and support the team, and enhance the glory of Zenith, by yelling "Attaboy!"

    Babbitt |Sinclair Lewis

  • In the ominous silence a cracked voice yelped: "Attaboy Fenton!"

    Vulcan's Workshop |Harl Vincent

  • It will be observed that Mr. Burke has given his attaboy a "t" too many.

    Pieces of Hate |Heywood Broun

British Dictionary definitions for attaboy

attaboy
/ (ˈætəˌbɔɪ) /

sentence substitute

slang, mainly US an expression of approval or exhortation