Buckoes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to men or fellows, often used informally to denote a group of individuals or peers ; a colloquial expression identifying a group of guys or comrades ; an old-fashioned word describing several male persons collectively, typically in a familiar or friendly way
2. An informal plural noun for males, especially young men or acquaintances ; a casual label for friends or chums, usually implying camaraderie ; a historical or regional word used to denote a set of male companions or associates
3. A designation for a number of males viewed collectively, sometimes with a rough or spirited connotation ; a familiar term for a band of men or buddies ; a somewhat rustic or traditional term for several guys regarded as a group

Etymology: "Buckoes" is simply the plural of "bucko," so it inherits its history from that word. "Bucko" is built from "buck," the familiar word for a male deer or antelope, with the colloquial suffix "-o" added on. The "buck" that matters here is the figurative sense, an adventurous or high-spirited young man, which is the same sense that gives us phrases about a young buck showing off. The "-o" ending is what gives the word its distinctly American, slangy flavour. English has a habit of attaching this suffix to short words to make them chummy or informal, as in "fella" or "hobo," and "bucko" follows that pattern. The plural "buckoes" therefore names a group of such lively young men, usually addressed or described in a casual, rough-and-ready way.

Synonyms: buckaroo, cowboy, rider, wrangler