What does guy mean?
Guy is chiefly an informal English noun for a man or, in gender-neutral contexts, a person: “That guy,” “some guy,” and “this guy” are everyday expressions. Its tone ranges from neutral or affectionate to dismissive when a speaker treats someone as foolish, irritating, or socially inept. The expression “nice guy” may itself carry irony in modern conversation. “Guy” is also a technical noun for a rope, wire, or line used to steady or support a mast, sail, tent, or similar object. As a verb, “to guy” means to mock or ridicule, though this use is much less common than the noun and often sounds dated or distinctly informal. The word is familiar in both British and American English, although regional and register differences affect the preferred alternatives. British speakers may choose “chap,” “bloke,” or “lad,” while North American speakers may use “dude,” “fellow,” or “man.” Overall, guy combines broad conversational reference with a flexible range of social and emotional effects.
An informal word for a man or any person, often with a neutral, affectionate, or dismissive tone depending on context. In technical usage, it means a rope, wire, or line used to steady or support an object.
"We left the tent guy in place until the wind had passed."
The personal sense is informal. The technical sense is especially associated with sailing, rigging, tents, and similar structures.
To mock, ridicule, or make fun of someone or something.
"Novelists often guy public figures through parody and exaggeration."
This transitive use is less common than the noun and can sound dated or regional in formal writing.
The standard plural is guys. In personal contexts, the plural often suggests a familiar, casual, or slightly dismissive tone.
"A few guys offered to help carry the equipment."
From a word associated with guidance to a familiar name for a fellow, guy has also become a rope for holding things steady and a verb for making fun of them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does guy come from?
English guy descends through Middle English from Anglo-French and Old French gui, “guide, leader,” a word generally traced to a Germanic source and related to the root behind guide and guidon. The sense “fellow, man” developed in 19th-century English, while the technical sense “a supporting or steadying rope” and the verb “mock, ridicule” also date from that century. The precise route by which the older word came to mean “fellow” remains somewhat obscure.
Related word forms
How guy is actually used
As a reference to a person, guy is informal and sometimes patronizing, especially when used of a man. The verb is much less common than the noun and can sound dated, while the rope or support-line sense is a specialized technical term.
Easily confused with guy
Gal is an informal, specifically female counterpart to guy, whereas guy can refer to a person of any gender.