phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Attaboy

Posted by ESC on April 10, 2002

In Reply to: Attaboy posted by Ray on April 10, 2002

: What does Attaboy mean and when to use it?

In the world of work, it means, "Good job!" Or, "Way to go!" The state police, one of the agencies where I worked, gave out "Attaboy Awards." Now, with the addition of a few women troopers, they probably have Attagirl Awards."

ATTABOY -- Military and police. "a commendation. 1975 Wambaugh 'Choirboys,' 288 'There's a lot of vice sergeants in this town that'd...write you an attaboy.'..." From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994.

I don't know what it stands for. That's my boy? Does anyone know?

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.