- (North American English also bud)(informal) a friend
- an old college buddy of mine
- Howard and Mick were golfing buddies.
- We were good buddies.
- I’d like you to meet an old college buddy of mine.
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- (also bud)(both North American English, informal) used to speak to a man you do not know
- ‘Where to, buddy?’ the driver asked.
- (especially North American English) a partner who does an activity with you so that you can help each other
- The school uses a buddy system to pair newcomers with older students.
- Her driving buddy was in trouble.
Word Originmid 19th cent. (originally US): perhaps an alteration of brother, or a variant of butty, a term for a friend or workmate amongst miners.
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buddy