buster

Definition

Buster is an informal word for a man or boy, sometimes used in a playful, rude, or threatening way. It also appears in compound words like “crime-buster” or “myth-buster” to mean someone or something that stops, defeats, or destroys something.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal and often old-fashioned in direct address: “Listen, buster!” can sound confrontational. In compounds, “-buster” is productive and means “something that breaks/stops X,” as in “blockbuster,” “ghostbuster,” or “budget-buster.” Don’t assume it is always positive; tone and context matter.

Example Sentences