Tough guy Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtəf/ /ˈɡaɪ

TUHF-guy

UK

tˈʌf/ /ɡˈaɪ

TUHF-guy

Definition

A ‘tough guy’ is a man who acts strong, brave, or aggressive, often trying to show he is not afraid of anything.

Usage & Nuances

Often informal or slang, sometimes used admiringly but also can be sarcastic or critical. Associated with physical strength or an 'act tough' attitude, not always genuinely brave.

• Spanish: tipo duro - tipo rudo - tipo fuerte
• Portuguese (BR): cara durão - valentão
• Portuguese (PT): duro - valentão - tipo resistente
• Chinese (Simplified): 硬汉 - 强壮的男人
• Chinese (Traditional): 硬漢 - 強壯的男人
• Hindi: मजबूत आदमी - सख्त आदमी
• Arabic: رجل قوي - رجل صلب
• Bengali: মাস্তান - শক্ত ছেলে
• Russian: крутой парень - крепкий парень
• Japanese: タフガイ - 強がりな男
• Vietnamese: dân anh chị - người cứng đầu (nam)
• Korean: 터프가이 - 터프한 남자
• Turkish: sert adam - kabadayı
• Urdu: پتھر دل آدمی - سخت لڑکا
• Indonesian: pria tangguh - jagoan

Example Sentences

He tries to act like a tough guy at school.

basic

The movie's main character is a tough guy who fights crime.

basic

Don't be a tough guy all the time, it's okay to ask for help.

basic

You don’t have to prove you’re a tough guy to impress anyone.

natural

He acts like a tough guy, but he’s actually really sensitive.

natural

So, are you trying to be the tough guy in this situation?

natural